Stress is not so easy to remove form your daily life. It will always be existing as long as we live because there are so many things to trigger it. Stress can release cortisol which affect your mood. It also can increase heart rates, disturb sleeping pattern, increase blood pressure, ruin blood sugar level, and weaken immunity. The longer you experience stress, the more damaging the effects can be. It can cause to more severe health problems such as stroke, heart attack, and depression. Hence, it is important to know how to deal with stress through healthy lifestyle choices and habit as follows:
Opt for healthier diet
Healthy diet doesn’t mean you only stick to low fat and diet foods. It focuses more on taking balance diet consisting of highly nutritious foods in moderate portion. Eating healthy foods will help minimize the effects stress can cause such as unbalanced blood sugar, high blood pressure, weakened immunity, etc. Also, healthier diet will help you feel more optimistic and energetic.
Maintain regular exercise
Keeping your body in shape is not the only goal you try to achieve. More than anything, your priority should be on increasing energy and positivity. When you maintain regular exercise, your body will be healthier while stress level will be reduced as well. If you are already active, try new variations from your regular regime. You can add some calming and soothing activities to your already intense exercises.
Consider reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
Many people drink coffee when they feel their energy depleting. In fact, caffeine is such a great energy booster. However, taking it excessively may lead to problems since it can elevate cortisol level that can cause to stress and anxiety. You can take smaller or moderate amount of caffeine to get your energy boosted. Limit alcohol consumption as well to help reduce stress level. Instead, change to healthier options of beverages such as juice or tea.
Maintain good sleep habits
The amount of sleep you get daily can affect your stress level. Lack of sleep often cause irritability, depleted energy, and mood swings. It leads you to drink more caffeine but it only adds more problems. An adequate amount of sleep is known to be beneficial in reducing stress level. If you don’t have healthy sleep habits, start with a new routine. Make sure that you build healthy sleep environment. Also, schedule your sleep regularly and avoid triggering stress before bed. Remove possible distractions that make you unable to fall asleep as easy such as works, phone calls, hunger, clutters, noises, etc.
Have regular appointments
You don’t have to wait until you have major health issues to visit doctor. In fact, you can visit for regular checkups in certain periods of time to ensure your health is in good condition. Important appointments include regular eye exams, and general physical exams. If you are over 40, it is best to have yearly appointment. By having routine appointments, you can prevent health anxiety which often the cause of stress and depression.