If you’re like most people, you may be feeling more stressed out than ever before. Maybe you’re worried about your job, your kids are having issues at school, you’re concerned about finances, you’re struggling with your relationships or all of the above. For many of us, it’s the little things that add up to cause massive problems in our lives. We’re all so busy trying to get through the day that anxiety becomes the new norm.
If this sounds like you, here are some top ways to reduce stress this year:
Sort out the house
Take one weekend. Just one weekend is all you need to get your house or apartment sorted so you can feel less stressed out. Go through your closet and give away or throw out anything you’re no longer wearing. Downsize your life and remove the extra “stuff” that’s no longer serving you. If you’re concerned about finances, this can also be a great opportunity to make some money- sell clothes that are in great condition, advertise your second-hand electronics etc.
Now is also a good time to sort out that broken door handle, the cracked step, or anything else around the house that you’ve been putting off. Call in a handy man and get it sorted and you’ll have one less thing to annoy you each day.
Become mindful
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of mindfulness. The goal is to spend more time in the present moment, and less time stressing about the future or stewing about the past. This is more difficult than it sounds, but it’s hugely rewarding. The point is that quieting your mind can help you every day. There are a number of apps on the market like Calm and Headspace which can help you learn how to get rid of your monkey mind.
Learn to love working out
Exercise releases endorphins, and it’s a great stress relief. Both cardio and strength training are great for your health, and the more you workout, the more addicted you’ll get to all of those feelings. If you’re the type who tends to feel super stressed after a day of work, you may find that working out is the answer. Even a 20-minute jog can help relieve stress in a healthy way- and you’re likely to see a benefit around your waistline as well.
