This is solely for your information, do not substitute for a doctor’s medical advice.
Many of us would argue that the last couple of years have been very stressful. The pandemic has caused shutdowns, political unrest, employment issues, and, of course, health concerns. Try as we might, it is very difficult to not let the stress affect us.
Too much stress negatively impacts our relationships, health, and happiness. According to WebMD, 43% of adults suffer negative stress-related health effects, and 75%-90% of doctor’s visits relate to complaints or ailments that are stress-related. Untreated, ongoing stress can lead to chronic health issues.
At LSH, we work hard to provide help for those with vision and hearing issues, and to offer information about what we can do to make things less stressful for those with these specific challenges. Recently, however, an internal survey alerted us to the fact that there is a need at this time to offer destressing tips that can help all of us.
Signs of stress include:
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Raised blood pressure
- Chest pains
- Problems sleeping
- Overall lack of well-being
So, what can we do about reducing our stress levels?
We’ve all heard the classic recommendations: exercise, get enough sleep, and eat good food. Beyond those ideas, here are 8 additional tips that take only a few minutes per day.
8 Destressing Tips
- Get out in the sunlight a bit each day.
- Do something to relax. This can be different for everyone: yoga, meditation, or watching a movie with your family.
- Pause to breath properly. Deep breathing helps your body relax. This helps you respond differently to stress, and sends more oxygen to your brain, calming parts of your nervous system. One simple method is to breath in from your nose using your belly (so it rises), then slowly exhale.
- Limit your commitments, and don’t be afraid to say “no”. Don’t overextend yourself.
- Ask for help, and share responsibilities.
- Avoid, or walk away from, angry people.
- Listen to music or podcasts.
- Laugh! Laughing brings in oxygen, everything gets a boost, and your body releases feel good hormones. Laughter improves your immune system and reduces pain.
