Stress has an important function in helping us react swiftly to threats and stay safe. Long-term stress exposure, however, may result in increased physical health issues or mental health issues including anxiety and depression.

According to Dr. Borland, "a vast body of data demonstrates that increasing stress levels interfere with your ability to handle physical sickness." While stress is impossible to completely eliminate, you may try to manage it in ways that will improve your ability to recover.

1. Drink and eat to improve your health.

Some people turn to excessive eating or drinking in an effort to decompress. Although these acts may appear to reduce stress in the short term, they may fact increase it. Stress effects can be exacerbated by caffeine as well. While eating a balanced, healthy diet might assist in reducing stress.

2. Regular exercise

Exercise has been demonstrated to be a highly effective stress reliever in addition to its positive effects on physical health. Set realistic goals for yourself and think about non-competitive aerobic activity, weightlifting, or movement practices like yoga or Tai Chi. Endorphins are organic chemicals that naturally make you feel better and keep a happy attitude. It has been demonstrated that aerobic activity releases endorphins.

3. Stop using nicotine and tobacco products.

Nicotine is frequently described as a stress reliever by those who use it. However, nicotine actually causes your body to experience more stress since it raises physical arousal while decreasing blood flow and respiration. Smoking won't help if you have ongoing stress or bodily pains because it might exacerbate chronic pain.

4. Study and use calming strategies.

Everyday relaxation helps you manage stress and shield your body from its negative consequences. Deep breathing, guided visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation are just a few of the methods you can use. There are numerous websites and mobile apps that offer instructions on these methods. Many are accessible without cost, however some do need purchases.

5. Reduce stressors that cause it.

If you're like most people, you probably have too many obligations and not enough free time. These requirements, for the most part, are ones we chose. However, you may make more time by using time-management techniques like prioritizing, pacing yourself, defining priorities, and making time for self-care.

6. Examine your principles and adhere to them.

No matter how hectic your life is, you'll feel better the more your actions align with your convictions. When selecting your activities, consider your values.

Dr. Borland advises us to take part in activities that are consistent with our values and speak to us personally in light of the demanding expectations and obligations we shoulder every day.

7. Stand your ground.

Saying "no" to requests for your time and energy that will put you under excessive stress is acceptable. You don't always have to live up to other people's expectations.

8. Set reasonable expectations and goals.

Realizing you can't succeed in everything you try at once is also acceptable and beneficial. Consider the things you can influence, and concentrate on accepting the things you can't.

9. Sell your self-worth.

Remember your strengths while you're feeling overburdened. There are techniques you can use to develop a strong feeling of self-worth.

10. Attempt biofeedback.

This behavioral strategy teaches you how to manage stress by monitoring your heart rate, muscle tension, and other vital signs while you try to unwind. It is employed to regain control over specific biological processes that lead to stress and discomfort. You can use biofeedback to help you understand how your body reacts to stress and how to manage with it better. Many people can use biofeedback to end an attack of a headache, such as a migraine, if it starts off gradually.

Ask your healthcare practitioner for further details or any additional recommendations they may have if you're interested in any of these methods. Counseling can frequently assist you in identifying stress sources that might not even be immediately apparent.