With innovation has come an inability to cope.
Advanced technology has provided you with many more choices to make than before.
Think about your options just at your local coffee shop.
Add in the multitude of apps and opportunities to communicate with the world that your smartphone offers, and it’s no wonder most people are stressed.
Big time.
Consider this: Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medicine have increased by 50% in the last 20 years.
The hard truth is that your overall wellness depends on being able to manage the stress that comes from living in an age with so much at your fingertips.
Here are some tried-and-true tips for taming the tension and getting rid of some of the main triggers of stress and anxiety.
1. Unfriend social media
If you have a smartphone, social media basically has you on a short leash.
It actually sparks addictive responses in your brain.
How much more time would you have in your day if you weren’t on social media?
Eliminating this massive time-sucker can greatly ease the stress that comes from never feeling like you have enough time.
Not ready to totally unplug from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat just yet?
Try it for a week – or even a few days – and see how you can fill those extra hours.
2. Talk and then talk some more
This idea may seem like a God-send if you’re an extrovert.
On the other hand, all the introverts are back-spacing as fast as they can, internally shouting, “Abort! Abort!”
Here’s the thing, like it or not: Conversation is one of the most productive forms of problem-solving.
You may be amazed by how much getting an objective opinion can change your perspective and lighten your mental burden.
3. Get moving
Physical activity makes you feel good.
Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin – the “feel good” endorphins – cause your situation to seem less dire and help you to have a better overall outlook.
Even 5-10 minutes of walking, biking, etc. can be enough to give you a positive boost.
4. Read
You may be thinking that reading will just add to your distractions.
Actually, it’s a great way to divert your mind from a train of thought that’s causing you anxiety.
You’re better able to think creatively and come up with out-of-the-box solutions.
5. Take a snooze
Chances are, you’re probably sleep-deprived anyway.
Napping for 30-90 minutes can improve your decision-making skills and encourage creative thinking.
Are you wondering if the guilt of napping will just add more stress to your day?
The only way to know for sure is to give it a try and see how you feel.
6. Free-write
You don’t have to be a professional writer or a master wordsmith to benefit from this activity.
Grab a piece of paper or a notebook and write for 5-10 minutes.
WHAT you write isn’t the important part. It can literally be anything that comes to mind. Don’t censor yourself and don’t worry about grammar and spelling.
It may seem pointless at first, but really, how much different is it from walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike?
You’ll probably be surprised by how much sharper you feel when you’re done.
7. Crank the tunes
Listening to music can drastically reduce stress.
It works its magic by helping your brain to get into a more innovative state where ideas are free to flow.
You may also experience that same rush of endorphins that helps you to feel good after you’re physically active.
Manage stress instead of letting it manage you
Unfortunately, you’ll never be able to live a life that’s totally free of stress and some level of worry.
That’s life.
But you can put these 7 ideas into action and make a significant improvement.
Your mental wellness has an effect on your physical fitness. Take the time to care for yourself.
Having adequate healthcare also plays a role in your mental and physical well-being.
Give us a call at InsureOne Benefits and let one of our experts make sure you have the coverage you need so you have one less thing to worry about.
Which of these tips are you going to implement first?