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❝you can do anything, but not everything.❞
stress isn't fun at all, we all go through it at least once in our lives, and some have trouble coping with it. this chapter should hopefully give you some methods on how to relax just a little bit. let's start with what stress exactly is. stress is a normal response to situational pressures or demands, especially if the situation is threatening and/or dangerous. meaning, stress can happen to anyone, and there's no given time for it to happen. stress is small doses can be considered good, because it helps people meet deadlines, or be productive; long term stress, however, is completely different. it increases the risk of mental health disorders, such as, anxiety and depression, and can also do physical damage to your body ( ie. gastrointestinal problems [diarrhea, stomach aches, etc.], headaches, cardiovascular disease, etc. ). remember, stress doesn't make you alienated from anyone, it's completely normal. in fact, around seventy percent of united states citizens claim that they feel stress or anxiety at least once a day.
here are some ways to help combat that daily stress;
EXERCISE:
this seems like the exact opposite of what you should do when stressed, but, in reality, putting physical stress on your body can relieve your mental stress in the long run. the reason why is that when you exercise, your body lowers your stress hormones, and will naturally put you in a better mood. exercising also tires you out, and makes you want to get a good night sleep, which improves your overall sleep schedule. exercise may also help you feel better about your body, and put you in a better mood overall. so, when your stressed, maybe consider doing a few sit ups or something. remember, the more often you exercise, the more positive results will come.
LIGHT A CANDLE:
this may seem a little silly, but lighting a candle is a small way to help reduce stress and anxiety. why? tbh i'm not sure myself. scented candles are really helpful when it comes to stress, and making your place smell good. it's really just a matter of finding a scent that helps you the most.
some soothing scents are: - lavender - rose - frankincense - sandalwood - orange, or orange blossom
also,, scents that relate to good memories. if your mom used to always have a butterscotch scented candle at home, and you have good memories of your mom, then go for a butterscotch scented candle. idk about you, but my mom constantly has caramel candles, or butterscotch candles around my house ( seriously,, my sister used to be called names jokingly by her friends for it, and i'm constantly told i smell like butterscotch ), so the scent of caramel or butterscotch ( and even vanilla bc she loves that scent too ) really calm me down.
aromatherapy and use of essential oils are also an alternative to this.
REDUCE CAFFEINE INTAKE:
caffeine is a stimulant found in chocolate, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. high doses of caffeine can potentially cause anxiety, and increase stress. peoples sensitivity varies when it comes to caffeine, some people can't handle one cup, whilst others can handle four or five a day. caffeine is not for everyone, and if you notice that when you intake caffeine you start getting jittery or anxious, consider cutting back. several different studies have shown that caffeine can be good for you ( in moderation ), it definitely isn't everyone's cup of tea. most people consider five or fewer cups a day is what is best for you.
LAUGH:
it's pretty hard to feel anxious, or stressed, when you're laughing and being happy. laughter relaxes your muscles, and reduces your overall stress. spend time with people who make you smile and laugh, watch videos online that make you laugh, read a crackfic, or watching a silly tv show. just make time in your day to be around something that makes you laugh.
LISTEN TO MUSIC:
listening to music you love is one of the best ways to relieve stress, in my opinion. this way, you're having fun, and you're going into a peaceful state of mind. nature sounds also help a lot, and that's why a lot of the time, it's incorporated into meditation music.
a couple other ways to relieve stress include: - going for walks - breathing exercises - reading a book - spending time with friends and family - meditate - clean your house/organize something - make a journal, and write down how you're feeling
overall, try and identify what's making you really stressed, and if you can eliminate the problem, do so.
