Stress has become a part of our daily lives and can never be completely avoided. It is a normal reaction of both people and animals to various uncomfortable and difficult situations. As we feel tensed, our bodies release chemicals and hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These substances keep our bodies alert and ready to face danger.

While stress can be useful at times, it is important to manage it well. Inability to do so can lead to chronic anxiety and cause grave health issues. Managing stress can be hard and may take time, especially if it has become a part of you. Luckily, everything is possible. We have prepared 7 best ways for you to get rid of stress and boost your happiness.

7 Ways to Beat Stress and Boost Happiness

1. Exercise

Physical exercise is one of the best ways to alleviate stress and enhance your mood. It can also help you deal with other psychological issues such as depression and anxiety.

During physical exercises, our brains produce and release chemicals dopamine and serotonin at a faster rate than during inactivity. Thanks to them, happiness and good mood are encouraged. Also, physical activity increases the supply of endorphins. These chemicals are responsible for encouraging a satisfactory feeling.

Physical exercising has also been proven to lower stress hormones such as cortisol, which is responsible for slowing down our cognitive capabilities. Therefore, exercise also allows us to think more positive and without distractions.

• Create a workout plan that consists of various exercises that you like.

• Make sure that you exercise for at least 5 days a week.

• Stick to aerobic (cardio) exercises and circuit workouts.

• Include short morning exercises in your plan. Exercising as you wake up will increase your productivity for the whole day.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating and drinking healthy is a key to a healthy body and mind, and ultimately your happiness. There are foods and drinks that you should try to avoid as much as possible, including:

• Coffee and other drinks containing high levels of caffeine

• Alcohol

• Sugar

• Processed foods, as they lack essential nutrients and are generally bad for your body

• Salt

A proper diet is a must if you aim to combat stress in the long term. Make sure that your body receives a sufficient amount of proteins, good fats, healthy carbs, minerals, and vitamins.

Speaking of minerals and vitamins, these are the most important for managing stress:

• Vitamin C

• B vitamins

• Magnesium

Tip: If you are dealing with a stressful day, eat less but more often. This way, your metabolism will keep on working and your energy will be well distributed. Blood sugar will also be more stable and in return, stress will be managed easier.

3. Relax (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Excessive stress is often caused because of too much work or worrying. Try to reserve some time for yourself on a daily basis. Consider getting a spot where no one would bother you, such as your bedroom or spa, and relax.

Some of the best ways to unwind that many people prefer to include yoga and meditation. They both have positive effects on stress. To boost the effect, you can light up some scents. Aromatherapy, especially with lavender or peppermint essential oil, is also a good way to relieve stress.

You can also try breathing exercises that will provide you with immediate calming effects.

1. Sit down and position your palms on your thighs. Maintain a good posture and close your eyes.

2. Breathe in slowly through your nose for 5 seconds.

3. Hold the air for 7 seconds.

4. Proceed to exhale slowly through your mouth for another 5 seconds.

5. Don’t breathe for a few seconds and then repeat the process again.

6. Keep up with the breathing exercise for a few minutes or until you feel relaxed.

4. Talk About Your Problems

Talking about your problems can help you deal with them better. You may also learn more about the perspectives of other people and ideas on how they keep up with stress. Sometimes, however, it’s beneficial to just talk about anything. This can help you forget about the mess for awhile and relax.

Make sure that you surround yourself with positive people who are willing to listen and understand you. Avoid the company that makes you feel worse.

One modern idea of talking about problems suggests finding a total stranger who is willing to listen to you. Tell them everything, for the sake of getting it off your shoulders. In return, listen to him or her and help them confess their issues.

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5. Take Control

The sooner you recognize that you are stressed, the sooner you can stop it from controlling your life. Denying stress doesn’t work in the long term. Consider keeping a diary and note down all of the stressful situations that you encounter.

After each month, review your diary and create a summary out of the stressful situations. Analyze the problems and potential solutions.  Proceed to act accordingly and get rid of the negative factors. If it is your work that’s giving you all the stress, it may be the right time to switch to a job that can make you happy. Remember that life is too short to allow stress to control it.

6. Get Enough Sleep

This one is quite simple. If you don’t sleep, you will be more prone to stress and negativity. Make sure that you get sufficient sleep during the night, and enough rest during the day.

If you are having troubles getting enough sleep, try going to bed earlier. It may be hard to fall asleep early at the beginning but once your body gets used to it, things will get easier. Consider listening to relaxing music, turn off all gadgets, and add a few drops of lavender oil to your diffuser.

7. Be Grateful

Be grateful for the life that has been given to you. It should not be taken for granted, regardless of one’s situation.

Be thankful for the positive actions of other people as well. Express this feeling by saying a simple “thank you” when so needed. Doing so will increase your happiness and get a whole new perspective on life.

Stress is a natural process that affects everyone in various different ways. While it has some beneficial properties, it can cause a lot of harm if not managed properly.

From relaxation techniques and resting to exercising and talking, these are some of the best ways to alleviate stress and boost your happiness. Remember to acknowledge stress immediately in order to start dealing with it effectively.