By Jennifer McDougall
Are you ready to eliminate stress from your life and become more at ease without fear and doubt? At Passages, we are here to help you achieve and maintain a stressfree lifestyle to help avoid from straying the course in your sobriety. Here are 5 of the best ways to eliminate stress from your life.
At Passages, we want to help you live a stress-free lifestyle with these helpful remedies.
1. Exercise and Meditation
If you want to boost your mood, improve your energy levels, and release stress and tensions, one of the best ways to do this is by exercising. You just need to block out 30-45 minutes of your day and dedicate this time to working out either outside or at a local gym. When we workout, our body’s stress hormone, known as cortisol, is lowered helping to reduce stress. A few other benefits of exercise include improved sleep patterns, increased level of confidence, and overall a better sense of wellbeing.
Remember to take deep breaths as you cool down from your workout to circulate oxygen to your muscles and help the flow of blood to your brain, which helps stimulate mental clarity and relaxation.
2. Laughter
Ever notice how much better you feel after a good laugh? That’s because laughter delivers more oxygen to your organs and brain helping to relieve stress and tension. When you laugh, your muscles become more relaxed and a sense of joy can be felt rather than worrying or stressing about something going on in your life at that time. Finding a reason to laugh can be easy when you just let go of whats dragging you down. Try simply laughing at the one particular thing that’s weighing on you. Another idea is to call a friend you can count on to make you laugh. You can also listen to a comedy podcast or watch a funny show on TV to help stimulate some laughter.
As you are walking around throughout the day, turn up that smile. There doesn’t always have to be a reason to do smile, but it always helps make you feel better and worry less.
3. Healthy Diet
Eating healthy is an important part of lowering levels of stress in your body. Fueling yourself with proper nutrition can make a huge difference in how you feel overall. If you’re eating too much sugar and processed food, you will notice feeling sluggish and tired, which is not something you need if you’re trying to feel your best. It’s almost important to stay hydrated and avoid using drugs and alcohol as these substances deplete your body of the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function in its healthiest state. You could also incorporate vitamins and supplements into your daily diet, such as the following.
- Multivitamin (specific for a man or a woman for the necessary needs)
- Ashwagandha
- Rhodiola
- B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12) – B Complex
- Vitamin C
- Folic Acid
- Omega-3
- Valerian Root
- Kava Kava
4. Time with Friends and Family
Get social with those who make you feel good about yourself and provide a positive influence in your life. These people are gems and care about you. They are there for you to support and love you no matter what it is you’re going through. They are the ones you can talk to about anything without any judgment. They help point you in the right direction and give you the reassurance and confidence you need to go out there and conquer your greatest fears. It could be a friend, family member, mentor, or co-worker, but it’s important to talk to those you trust and feel good about leaning on in times of trouble or despair.
Don’t isolate yourself when you’re feeling stressed. It is recommended you go out there and be social, even if you feel absolutely lousy. Being with loved ones with help you feel relaxed and will give you a chance to get some perspective on whatever it is you’re stressed out about.
5. Incorporate Aromatherapy While You Work, Sleep, and Unwind
Whether you dab essential oils on your skin or put it in a discussion, you will be surprised how much aromatherapy can help improve your mood and stress levels. Add essential oils to your bath, in your car, or even use a spray bottle with a combination of your favorite scents and water to spray around your home or office space so you can enjoy it all throughout the day and night. Here are some essential oils we recommend you try.
- Lavender
- Ylang-Ylang
- Frankincense
- Orange Blossom
- Rose
- Vetiver
- Jasmine
- Chamomile
- Cinnamon
- Cedarwood
Also read, Zen and the Art of Happiness
How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:
Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™
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