LEARN ABOUT STRESS-REDUCTION WAYS

So you identified and wrote down your stressors yesterday. Reread what you wrote.

Do you want to add anything? If, just add.

You will meet stress reducers today. I wrote more of them because not every method is suitable for everyone.

Use at least two or more of the ones that are comfortable for you.

So let's see what stress reducers are.

Deep breathing - this is the fundamental step of breathing exercises for stress relief. Deep breathing increases the amount of oxygen in your brain and can lower cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. If possible, get some fresh air. Simply open a window and take a deep breath.

Sleep - aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Maintain a dark and quiet environment in your bedroom. Make it just a place to sleep; don't bring work into it.

Exercise - not only releases chemicals that make you feel happy, but it also aids in the breakdown of chemicals that increase stress levels.

Begin your day by going for a walk, jogging, or dancing for example.?

Laughter - reduces stress hormones in the brain. Laughter is a natural medicine that can improve your mood, strengthen your immune system, and even help you deal with stress. Genuine laughter has been shown to reduce cortisol levels by increasing oxygen intake and increasing circulation throughout the body.

Writing - keeping a gratitude journal, or simply writing down your random thoughts, has been shown to boost optimism. Don't just write positive things; ease your soul and write down everything that weighs on you.

Write down the negative, difficult things as well, and after, crumple up the paper and throw them away or press delete. Keep the positive ones, however, and read them again and again.

Do something that makes you happy - take at least half an hour of your time for yourself (at least 5 minutes total). Sing at the top of your lungs, dance, run, take your dog for a walk...do anything that takes your mind off the world's problems.

Meditation - when you meditate, you stop, focus, and refocus your thoughts. This prevents your thoughts from wandering to worst-case scenarios, which can be harmful to your mental and physical health.

Don't force yourself to meditate if you don't feel like it.?If, then surrender and find peace in it.

I use quite a few reducers myself. How about you?

See you tomorrow when you learn how you can make small changes to reduce the impact of stress on your life.