It’s not even halfway through the first month of 2019, and you may already be struggling with stress. Most people start a new year with a list of things they want accomplish, including goals such as being more organized, self-disciplined and productive. However, all the resolutions in the world may not help if you are constantly struggling with feelings of stress and the sense of being overwhelmed. It may be helpful for your mental and emotional health to learn some stress relief techniques, which in turn can help you reach your goals and make 2019 the best year yet.
There are many simple things you can do to manage your stress levels. If you tend to feel stress at a level where it impairs your thinking and your productivity, it is essential to learn how to manage those feelings. Stress is normal, and every person deals with it in different ways, but it’s smart to know which stress relief techniques will work best for you. The following tips may be helpful:
- Take a short walk — Even just three to five minutes every hour can have significant health benefits. Walking while you talk on the phone is a good place to start, or you can make it a point to take short breaks and walk for a few minutes throughout the day.
- Implement breathing strategies — There are many types of breathing techniques that can help you lower your heart rate, calm you down and clear your mind. Even taking deep breaths in moments of heightened stress can help.
- Create margin — One of the most common sources of stress is having too much on your plate. Create margin in your life by learning how to say no, delegating tasks and making it a point to work more efficiently. When you have too much to do and not enough time in which to do it, it can feel overwhelming and create more stress.
The start of a new calendar year is a good time to start thinking about how you can protect your mental and emotional health. By learning how to use stress relief techniques, you can set yourself up for more peace of mind and more productivity moving forward.
By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC
