A stress-free lifestyle could very well do wonders in eliminating depression. Here are seven practical methods to combat stress:
1. Express Amusement and Be Happy.
Laugh hard and loud. If you don't have a sense of humor, find someone else who does. Laughter releases endorphins (happy chemicals) from the body, and it helps boost your immune system.
2. Take Control Over Your Time and Schedule.
You'll be much more able to deal with stress if you have a good handle on your job, relationships, and other activities. When you are in control, you are more inclined to stay focused and calm. Plan your time wisely. Remember to leave room for unexpected events, both negative and positive. Be adaptable in rearranging your agenda. Allow an extra 15 minutes to get to all appointments. Avoid procrastinating important or urgent tasks. Do your tasks one at a time and multi-tasking really doesn't work. Focus your attention on the present moment, whether it's the person talking to you or the job at hand. This helps you to avoid making errors, which lead to more tension and anxiety. Say no to requests that you cannot accomplish. Delegate trivial tasks. Remember that you don't have to do it all yourself. Break up a job into separate tasks and assign them to people with the suitable skills.
3. Work Out.
Strive to get some habitual exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, or whatever appeals to you. Play a sport you're interested in. Aerobic exercises can considerably reduce the stress factor. Exercise also improves sleep and gives you time to think and focus on other things. It also promotes the release of natural soothing chemicals in your body.
4. Search Out a Support Group.
You'll be able to manage stress much better if you have other people helping and supporting you. Choose positive friends who are not worriers. Friends who continually put you down or talk gloomily about life will increase your anxiety. Invite a good friend to help you talk out a problem and get it off your chest. A call to an old pal can be great therapy.
5. Take Breaths Deeply and Slowly.
Calm down your muscles, escalating your stomach and chest. Make use of this yoga technique: Inhale slowly, counting to eight. Exhale through your mouth, even more slowly, counting to sixteen. Make a sighing sound as you exhale, and feel tension dissolve. Do it again 10 times.
6. Consume Healthy Foods at the Appropriate Time.
Take time out to eat heartily no matter how busy you are. A nutritionally balanced diet is essential to your health and lifestyle. Avoid large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, and sweets, which can worsen symptoms of stress.
7. Live Optimistically. Count your blessings, particularly when everything seems to go wrong. Believe that many other people are living in worse conditions than you are. Don't exaggerate the complexity of your problems. Every problem has a solution. All you need to do is find that solution. Learn to be happy and to enjoy life's blessings. Live one day at a time.
