People commonly joke about how exercise is their drug and they can’t live without it, but there’s more truth to that statement than most realize. Movement plays a huge role in our outcomes around stress, but you must be strategic about how you approach it. To optimize this relationship, it’s key to have a healthy perception of what stress is along with productive tools to manage it well.
When you feel overwhelmed by life, it’s not uncommon to dissociate from the body and its signals. This is often referred to as ‘numbing’ and can involve turning to external sources to attempt to find an escape from the madness. As you might have guessed, this solution is rarely effective and never sustainable. To stay sane and grounded during turbulence, it’s crucial to remember two very important things:
- Stress is a normal part of life. While stress can be uncomfortable and often overwhelming, it is a natural response to various triggers. It’s important to acknowledge that stress is a natural part of life and that everyone experiences it at some point.
- Physical activity is a powerful stress management tool. Engaging in physical activity can significantly impact your ability to handle stress effectively. Exercise releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Additionally, exercise helps to regulate stress hormones, such as cortisol, that can accumulate in the body and contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.
When considering natural ways to manage stress and anxiety in our lives, we often think about well-known approaches such as meditation, mindfulness, walking, and breathwork. While these are really effective, particularly breathwork as it allows us to take control almost immediately of our autonomous nervous system which is completely subconscious, there are other less-known ways to promote the relaxation response in the body.
Meditation
Meditation is a technique that involves focusing one’s attention and bringing the mind into a state of relaxation. It can help reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and promoting a sense of well-being. Whether you prefer guided meditations or practicing on your own, meditation can be a powerful tool for stress management.
Yoga
Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to create a holistic practice. It can help calm the mind, improve flexibility, and increase overall physical and mental well-being. Practicing yoga regularly can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as boost mood and promote relaxation.
Art Therapy
Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, drawing, or pottery, can be cathartic and therapeutic. It can provide a creative outlet for expressing emotions, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of well-being. Whether you paint as a hobby or consider art therapy as a more formal practice, it can be very beneficial for stress management.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines slow, rhythmic movements with deep breathing. It can help improve balance, coordination, and overall body awareness. Practicing Tai Chi can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as promote a sense of calmness and relaxation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including stress and anxiety. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system and promote the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters and stress relievers.
Laughter Therapy
Laughter has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. Engaging in activities that make you laugh, such as watching a funny movie, spending time with friends, or participating in humorous activities, can help lighten your mood and combat the effects of stress.
Exercise
Regular exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting the production of endorphins, which naturally elevate your mood. Exercise also releases tension in the body and provides a physical and mental break from the demands of daily life.
In conclusion, whether you are a college student, parent, mother, or a business professional, stress is something that is inescapable. However, you can combat stress and anxiety with typical approaches, including listening to music, taking a walk, doing deep breath exercises, or writing in your journal. Additionally, trying out new stress-reducing strategies, such as meditation, yoga, art therapy, Tai Chi, acupuncture, laughter therapy, and exercise, can also be beneficial in managing your stress levels and promoting overall well-being.
Remember, finding what works best for you may take some experimentation, but it’s worth taking the time to explore various techniques to find what works best for you.