Did you know 77 percent of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress? Whether it is caused by work, money, relationships or something else, it happens to everyone at some point in their life.
Stress can have both a negative and positive impact on our lives. In small doses, stress can make us more alert, which improves our performance. In large doses, stress has been linked to such health issues as heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney stones and even erectile dysfunction. Learning healthy ways to manage stress will allow you to avoid the health consequences it can cause.
Below are some tips to help decrease stress levels:
Exercise.
Exercising helps the brain release feel-good chemicals allowing your body to deal with the stress. It is important to exercise for at least 30 minutes, three times a week.
Sleep.
The average adult needs 8 hours of sleep a night to recharge the mind and body.
Relax.
Add a designated time in your daily schedule to rest and recharge. This could include going for a walk, calling a good friend or listening to music.
Eat healthy.
Avoid consuming excess caffeine and sugar. These just provide temporary energy followed by a crash in mood and energy. Well-fed bodies are able to better handle the effects of stress.