We are coming upon one of the most stressful times of the year, the start of a new school year. This is where the easy, relaxing summer days come to an end and the early rising, long days begin. My heart is pounding just thinking about the upcoming school year, which is why I am offering 10 tips on how to relieve some of the stress you will undoubtedly face.
1. Doctors recommend 10-15 minutes of meditation each day.
Whether you choose to do so in the morning before you begin your day or at night before you get some rest, it's a great way to maintain reliance through stressful periods.
2. Exercising and eating healthy is also a stress reliever recommended by doctors.
The exercise can help reduce the chances of brain-induced depression, while eating healthy will keep sugars and vitamins balanced when we frantically go about our day. Foods such as blueberries and almonds have been known to relieve stress levels.
3. Music therapy
Music therapy is a method that has only been used for a couple of years, as there have been new discoveries on the effects of music on our minds and our every day lives. Music has been discovered to relieve depression symptoms, autism and stress levels.
4. Walking
Walking is a cheap, effortless way to relax in times of high stress.
5. "Stressing out" period
Therapists recommend setting aside a time specifically to be used for "stressing out". Keep it earlier than your bedtime, and make sure you don't think about the issue until the "stressing out period" occurs.
6. Talking it out
Talking to someone about what is bothering you is another way recommended to reduce stress.
7. Reading
Reading helps you think about something other than what is causing you to stress. It allows you immerse yourself and your thoughts somewhere else.
8. Sleep
Getting your recommended eight hours of sleep not only rejuvenates your body, but it also allows your mind to "reset" itself in a sense, and start over after periods of stress.
9. Reduce the amount of caffeine and sugar intake that you normally consume
The temporary "energy" sugar and caffeine often provide you end up "crashing" our nervous system and our moods. Therefore, our stress levels rise.
10. Skip out on social media
This one is highly regarded by doctors as a way to relieve stress, because social media is something that affects us daily. It unconsciously and consciously affects our way of thinking and often alters how we perceive everyday life, which is why it has been linked to causing stress. Take some time off.
