Stress isn’t always a bad thing, but too much stress can hurt a person’s well-being, and according to the American Psychological Association, we’re more stressed than ever. Here are a few things you can do to help with relaxation and mindfulness.
Pick Up a Pen – Journaling is one of the oldest known ways to cope with life’s ups and downs. People have been picking up a pen to jot down their setbacks, frustrations, and triumphs for centuries, and it’s been shown to help with everything from managing depression to identifying negative behaviors and emotional triggers.
Change Your Diet -. Not only is eating because you’re stressed harmful, but eating too many of the wrong kinds of food can take its toll on the body and mind.
Too much alcohol, caffeine, sugar, or processed foods can put a strain on the body. However, foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins found in fruits, veggies, and nuts can help the body better manage daily stress.
Make Some R&R Time – Most of us are busier than ever, but it’s still incredibly important that we make time for ourselves and social time to spend with others. This could be hitting up the batting cages, putting on some headphones and listening to your favorite music, or catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee.
Try to set aside at least 30 minutes a day for yourself on a regular basis.
Meditation – People have been using meditation to boost their mental health for thousands of years. In practice, meditation is paying attention to your breath as it goes in and out and taking notice when the mind wanders from this task. It’s been shown to not only help with lowering stress but improving focus as well.
Start off slow, finding a quiet place and meditating for a couple of minutes at a time.
Try a New Hobby – Picking up a new hobby is a great way to not only improve your focus and give your brain a workout but ward off stress as well. While some hobbies are going to be more relaxing than others (putting together a jigsaw puzzle vs. CrossFit), there’s an endless array to choose from.
Volunteer – Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community but has a benefit to the volunteer as well. According to Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic, “[Volunteering] has been shown to decrease stress levels, depression, anxiety and boost your overall health and satisfaction with life.”
From animal shelters to serving the needy, there are plenty of opportunities in Kyle to volunteer your time.
Get More Exercise and Sleep – Two of the best ways to give your mental health a boost are exercise and a good night’s sleep. How much sleep a person needs can vary, but most people tend to need 6 to 9 hours.
Whether it’s lifting weights at the gym, taking a dance class, or simply going for a stroll on a walking trail, regular exercise helps to reduce stress and increases mood-boosting dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.
From the pool to the extensive trail system, the Crosswinds community has an array of amenities designed to help residents relax and enjoy life to the fullest. Contact our team to learn more about finding a home here.