6 Tips To Reduce Stress
- Zoe Lim
- Jun 7, 2021
- 3 min read
In this article, I’ll share the 6 tips to reduce stress, as recommended by experts.
Tip 1: Take breaks from the news, including social media
News-worthy information tends to be sensationalized, more negative and blown out of proportion to attract the audience.
Therefore, there is a need to limit the time set aside for the news to just a couple of times a day. Do also disconnect from the phone, tv or computer screens for a while.
Tip 2: Take care of your body through exercise, have plenty of sleep and eat well-balanced meals.
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress! According to research, exercise has many benefits including decreased risk of depression, improving your health and increasing happiness. When we exercise, the body releases chemicals that boost our sense of well-being and suppress hormones that cause stress and anxiety.
Among the chemicals released are endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine neurotransmitters which are related to pain and depression emotions. Exercise also reduces hormone activity of adrenalin and cortisol which promote feelings of anxiety and tension.
Sleep is also a powerful stress reducer. Following a regular sleep routine calms and restores the body, improves concentration, regulates mood, and sharpens judgment and decision-making. You are a better problem solver and are better able to cope with stress when you’re well-rested.
Having a well balanced meal that consists of stress-reducing foods can help tame stress in several ways. Comfort foods, like a bowl of warm oatmeal, boost levels of serotonin, a calming brain chemical. Other foods such as avocado and banana can cut levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which are stress hormones that take a toll on the body over time. A healthy diet can help counter the impact of stress by strengthening the immune system and lowering blood pressure.
Tip3: Make time to unwind and distress
As we get caught up with deadlines and pressure from workplaces, we tend to overlook the importance of intentionally making time to go for that yoga class or to have a good massage. Do the things you enjoy, no matter how busy you are.
Tip 4: Connect with others
Sharing your concerns and articulating your thoughts can be a great stress reliever. Not only do you feel supported when you are around friends and family, they may also share new perspectives to help reframe the way you view the challenges.
Tip 5: Connect with community, hobby or faith group
Joining a group helps you to connect with like-minded people on a regular basis. Moreover, paying attention to hobbies/sports/religion distract you from dwelling on your problems.
Tip 6: Get busy helping others
When we are busy helping others, we take our mind off ourselves. Being able to help someone else also brings us joy and fulfillment. Therefore be on a look out at all times to be a blessing to someone else.
How to get help?
I’ve included a list of helplines below. Please reach out if you need help or know someone who does.
Helplines (Singapore)
National Care Hotline (1800 202 6868)
Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389 2222)
Samaritans of Singapore (1800 221 4444)
Silver Ribbon Singapore (6385 3714)
Elderly services - Agency for Integrated Care Hotline (1800 650 6060)
TOUCHline [Counselling] (1800 377 2252)
Hope you found the article useful!
References
Disclaimer:
This article provides general information and discussions about health and related topics. The information and other content provided in this video, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be constructed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek professional medical treatment.
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