The American Psychological Association says the workplace is one of the leading sources of stress and anxiety in the country. As a culture of work addiction intensifies and modern communication tools enable a state of constant connection, work-related stress is reaching epidemic proportions in America. By some estimates, stress costs the U.S. economy as much as $300 billion a year. Minimizing the chronic stress of daily life as much as possible is important for overall health. That’s because both chronic stress and anxiety harm health and increase your risk of health conditions such as heart disease, anxiety disorders, and depression. With that being said, here are 4 evidence-based ways to relieve stress.
Get a lot of physical activity
Regular exercise has so many health benefits, some doctors even refer to it as a “wonder drug.” Exercise is as good for the mind as it is for the body. Experts say exercise reduces stress hormones and stimulates endorphins; “feel good” chemicals that ward off depression and anxiety.
Minimize screen time
Spending too much time in front of screens, in general, is associated with lower psychological well-being and increased stress levels in both adults and kids. So, minimizing screen time may help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Follow a healthy diet
Your diet affects every aspect of your health, including your mental health. Minimizing your intake of highly processed foods and beverages and eating more whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, fish, nuts, and seeds can help ensure that your body is properly nourished. In turn, this may improve your resilience to stress.
Join a community of support
It can be hard to develop healthy habits on our own. When things get stressful we tend to slide back into our routines, even if they’re not very good for us. A health and wellness coach can help you set goals for stress-reducing habits like exercise and meditation and help you stick to them.
Utopia Spa & Global Wellness offers you that kind of support, so make sure to check out our website at www.utopiasgw.com!
(Research sources: www.healthline.com, www.wellright.com, www.colorado.edu, www.mentalhealth.org.uk, www.hopkinsmedicine.org)
