Too much work, too little time and too little sleep: physical and mental stress is not healthy in the long run. Because those who are constantly stressed suffer from symptoms such as headaches, muscle twitching, dizziness, restlessness and concentration problems. Over time, cardiovascular problems can also occur. To avoid such consequences, it is important to do something against stress in time. We reveal the 10 best anti-stress tips that you can use to easily relieve stress.
1. pedometer provides more movement
Sports is probably the stress killer par excellence. And rightly so, because sport effectively reduces stress and ensures a greater sense of well-being. Particularly recommended are endurance sports such as jogging, swimming or rowing, which put the body in a meditative state. But even a walk is enough to switch off and do something against stress. If you need a special motivation to overcome your inner pig, you can try a pedometer. This counts every step you take – even 5,000 steps a day are enough to significantly increase your well-being.
2. cook yourself something delicious
Cooking or baking is a perfect activity to relieve stress. Working in the kitchen keeps us busy without overwhelming us. Certain activities, such as cutting vegetables, also have a calming effect. After cooking, a delicious meal is waiting for us – that also helps to relax. So grab your partner or a few friends and get cooking. In stressful situations, certain foods are particularly recommended – and that doesn’t just mean chocolate. Rather, the supply of potassium, magnesium and B vitamins is particularly important for the body. That’s why you should reach for the following foods, for example:
- Whole grain products
- Legumes
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Dried fruit
- Dairy products
- Nuts
- Eggs
3. laugh
Laughter is next to exercise probably the best measure to reduce stress. Just laugh once loudly and heartily – even if there is no particular reason for it. Because laughter releases the happiness hormone serotonin. If you like it a little less loud, you can also simply close your eyes, relax and smile. Serotonin is also released when you do this.
4.Drink a cup of tea
There is something cozy about drinking a cup of tea. That’s why a warm tea is also good for relieving stress. In addition to the variety, the way you drink the tea is especially crucial: a hastily drunk tea while standing up will hardly provide more relaxation. Instead, consciously take a few minutes, sit comfortably on the sofa and enjoy the warm drink quite purposefully. Well suited for relaxation are tea blends with lemon balm, hops or lavender.
5. look at vacation pictures
Vacation is the time of the year when you leave the stress of everyday life behind and do something good for yourself. Unfortunately, the vacation feeling usually fades away far too quickly. With a few tricks, however, you can bring back the relaxed vacation mood. Take your time and look at a few vacation pictures. Remember in particular how you felt in the respective situation. Through a pleasant fragrance or soft music, you can further enhance the relaxing effect.
6. take time for yourself
If you always have something to do and are constantly stressed, there is one thing above all that you do not take time for yourself. High time, then, to finally make up for it. Think about what you really wanted to do in the last few weeks, but which ultimately always came up short. It doesn’t matter whether you want to read a book in peace or finally take a balloon ride. Treat yourself to something you really feel like doing at the moment and turn off your sense of duty, at least for a few hours.
7. sleep in
Constant stress usually causes us to sleep too little – and sometimes for weeks at a time. In addition, the quality of sleep usually turns out worse in stressed people. We can easily put away a few restless nights, but those who sleep too little in the long term are harming their bodies. A lack of sleep leads to an increased release of the stress hormone cortisol.In addition, the body has less time to regenerate – normally, the body recovers from the efforts of the day during sleep. So get a good night’s sleep at the weekend: Your body will thank you!
8. do without smartphone and Co.
Modern technology such as smartphones, tablets and laptops make our lives easier in many ways, but they often also provide a slight permanent stress: you are permanently available and can constantly react to new situations and events. If you are stressed, try going 24 hours without technology. Simply leave the computer – and ideally the cell phone – switched off. If that’s too extreme for you, at least try not carrying your cell phone around for a few hours a day. You’ll see, it’s relaxing!
9. dancing as a stress killer
Also recommended against stress is dancing. Dancing is stressful and burns a lot of calories, but it is also a lot of fun. Especially the combination of movement and music makes dancing a real stress killer. Those who prefer it calmer can try yoga.
10. enjoy consciously
If you are stressed, you are probably just flooded with sensory impressions all day long. To do something about the stress, you should try to consciously perceive impressions again and enjoy things purposefully. For example, let a piece of chocolate melt very slowly on your tongue – this has a double effect: on the one hand, conscious enjoyment relaxes you, and on the other hand, the chocolate ensures that lots of happiness hormones are released. So stress no longer stands a chance!
