There\u2019s a lot of talk about stress these days. People feel anxious and overwhelmed by all kinds of stress, from financial worries to relationship issues to world events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic stress is the problem \u2013 stressful feelings that won\u2019t go away but stay with you daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic stress interferes with your ability to be happy. Although you can feel happier by thinking about being happy and being more optimistic, it won\u2019t last if you\u2019re stressed out every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic stress also drains your energy and disrupts your body\u2019s ability to fight disease, which is why stress is associated with chronic illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of using valuable energy to stay happy and healthy, that precious store of limited energy is exhausted by worry and stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although you can\u2019t eliminate stress completely because it\u2019s a part of life, you can reduce it with these steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Physical activity, especially cardio, boosts endorphins, the chemicals your brain uses to make you feel good, reducing stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
High-intensity exercise is especially potent because this type of physical exertion requires you to focus on your body and effort, which effectively distracts your mind from stressful situations. Instead of wasting your physical and emotional energy on worries and stress, you\u2019re refocusing your energy on physical activity, drastically lowering your stress levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use physical activity not just for your physical health but for your emotional health, too. Exercise is a powerful stress-reducing strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a thought, instead of expending emotional energy worrying about the stressful situation, why not address it instead? If you\u2019ve been procrastinating, stop by finding thirty minutes or an hour or two and get moving! Less important activities can wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the source is relational or financial, give yourself the gift of 30 minutes to think about the situation(s). Have a piece of paper and a pen. Breathe deeply to relax your mind, body, and nervous system. During these precious moments of reflection, capture actions that appear in your mind that would start addressing the situation effectively. Is there someone you need to call? A letter you need to write? What\u2019s one thing you can do within the next twenty-four hours to start dealing with your most stressful situation? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take 15 to 20 minutes for yourself each day when you won\u2019t be interrupted to relax your nervous system and clear your mind. It can be early morning, in a secluded place at work, or before bed. Listen for answers, solutions, and directions regarding dealing with whatever worries you and what you can do to reduce the overwhelming stress you\u2019ve been struggling with. Take time to breathe and be grateful; let these quiet moments fill your heart and mind with peace and certainty. And if you\u2019re a person of faith, pray. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will never completely get rid of stress, nor would you want to because stress can be a positive motivator. Yes, you\u2019ll feel stressed from time to time as long as you\u2019re alive. Remind yourself that you have what it takes to get through this because you\u2019ve gotten through it before. You\u2019re still here! By using these three powerful techniques for reducing stress, you\u2019ll feel happier, have more energy, and feel more empowered. So replace worry and stress with self-leadership and happiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a lot of talk about stress these days. People feel anxious and overwhelmed by all kinds of stress, from financial worries to relationship issues to world events. Chronic stress is the problem \u2013 stressful feelings that won\u2019t go away but stay with you daily. Chronic stress interferes with your ability to be happy. Although…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6738,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[182,164],"aware":[1753],"class_list":["post-6716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","tag-stress","tag-worry","aware-wellness"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n