10 ways to help deal with stress

Stress can affect us in many ways and is not always bad. Sometimes stress will whip you into shape and motivate you to perform well or give your best. But when it comes to stress, the key is how you deal with it. There are many easy ways to ease your tension. Here are ten common coping mechanisms that will help the next time stress starts creeping up on you.

1. Eat a handful of nuts

Nuts are one of the best natural sources of stress relief. They're also high in protein and healthy fats that can help your body regulate itself when you're under pressure. Also, don't eat too many nuts, though. Take in enough natural fat, but don't go overboard and eat 30 potatoes worth.

2. Work out

We all love to work out for those endorphins we get from exercise, but working out can also help relieve stress. More specifically, it helps the mind relax and reduces stress-related hormones like cortisol. Take a hammer drill to the gym and build yourself a jackhammer to work on any stress you may have surrounding your job or schoolwork. Just remember to set a time limit, so you're not straining yourself unnecessarily.

3. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea contains natural oils that have a calming effect, making it a great stress reliever before bedtime to help you sleep better. Drink hot peppermint tea before and after stressful tasks during the day to calm yourself down- in fact, research has shown that peppermint oil may be as effective as prescription anxiety medications.

Many people love tea, but green or black tea can be a little too bitter for some. Try taking your stress away with a cup of peppermint tea instead.

4. Reflect on nature

Give yourself an hour to sit in a park and reflect on your day. This will help you rejuvenate and relax, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next day's stress. Keep your eye out for a natural, peaceful setting while you're out there- these days, the outdoors have become very popular, so it shouldn't be too hard to find somewhere quiet.

This is similar to the previous one, but it's easier. Go for a nature walk and relax by staring at the clouds, breathing in the air, and taking time to breathe. Another great idea is going for a walk on a beach. Sit down with your feet in the water and take in some of nature's beauty and peacefulness until you can't stand up anymore.

If you have trouble relieving stress by sitting on a park bench staring at the clouds all day, take a break, get up, and walk around for a little while now and again. A study found that everything from health to productivity is enhanced when you move your body during the day, so it's essential to make time for yourself, even if you're only walking across the room to take out the garbage.

5. Invest in a pet

If you have the time and money, buying yourself, a pet can help bring you peace and relieve stress. You'll get some good exercise out of taking your pet on walks, and they're great company when you're sitting around bored. Just don't let your new friend turn into an obnoxious slobbery party animal that ruins your furniture- dogs lick everything, and cats will sleep in to take a dump on your couch at 9 AM every morning.

6. Practice a hobby

Starting and practicing a new hobby is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress. Learn something new like juggling, guitar playing, or painting anything that can help you relax is worth trying out. You'll have something to look forward to every day, and it's suitable for your stress levels and overall life satisfaction. You're more likely to be happy when you look forward to something each day.

7. Spend time with friends and family

Spending quality time with friends and family can make a big difference in life. If you're on top of it, inviting them over for a movie night or talking to them over the phone can help you forget about stress and allow you to forget about problems for a little while. When you're having fun with friends and family, it's hard to feel down about yourself.

8. Drink some wine

Wine is one of the most significant forms of stress relief in many people's eyes. While not everyone likes wine (it has a strong alcohol content), plenty of other beverages make a good substitute instead of beer, go with cola or sugar-free soda. Also, don't become dependent on alcohol to reduce stress, it can lead to other problems.

9. Sing and Dance

Singing and dancing are great ways to relieve stress, just put on your favorite song and give yourself a little shake! If you're in a happy relationship, dancing or singing with your partner can also help relieve tension at home. Make sure you don't go overboard with this one, you don't want to become the neighborhood embarrassment.

10. Smile

Smiling is a great way to start the day off right. When you wake up in the morning, smile and say hello to your room, it'll brighten your mood and help you start your day on the right foot. Smiling can also make people around you more comfortable and relaxed, so it's an excellent way to get along with others! Smiling for five minutes daily can have significant psychological benefits, even if forced. It's true; put on a fake smile when you don't feel like it, then go through your day with that smile on.

Conclusion

You'll have the best stress relief if you stick to these methods, find a rhythm in what works best for you, and remember that every stress has a solution. That's all there is to it, relax and have fun! Stay healthy and live life to the fullest so you can be stress-free. You can't always avoid stress, but you can learn how to deal with it and make it easier on yourself. There are many ways to help yourself out with these stresses of life. You'll find that no matter how bad things feel now, you'll probably be able to get through them after trying one or more of these coping mechanisms.