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De-Stress for Success
Simple, Effective Ways to Manage Stress for a Healthier Life
Simon Livingston
October 08, 2024 • Est. Read Time: 4 minutes
Step back; it’s not as urgent as it feels.
Welcome to the.Zee weekly drop on De-Stressing
Stress is our constant companion and a natural response that helps us survive by preparing our body to react to challenges. It becomes harmful however when it's prolonged or unmanaged, and it's crucial to address it for the sake of our overall health. Chronic stress not only impacts our ability to focus and overall emotional well-being, but also leads to serious physical health issues. By managing stress effectively, you can lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
A clear, calm mind is essential for problem-solving, and creativity. Reducing stress improves mental sharpness and our decision-making abilities. When we let stress accumulate, we can get overwhelmed, distracted and burn out.
If you’re already dealing with multiple obligations, learn to say no. Setting boundaries preserves your energy and time for what truly matters. It's not selfish; it's essential self-care.
Action for today:
Limit multitasking — consciously prioritize one task at a time to maintain mental clarity. Start by organising your tasks by importance, then don’t move on until you complete each task or your allocated time block for it is over.
Stress takes a toll on the body, leading to fatigue, muscle tension and weakened immunity. Left unchecked, stress will lead to chronic health problems, yet effective stress management will promote better sleep, digestion, and physical vitality.
Embrace nature regularly. The peace you find outdoors recharges you in ways you can't imagine. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Action for today:
Take a 30 minute walk. Take deep breathes. Silence your phone or even better, leave it behind. If the weather really won’t permit this, then take your break just sitting by a window.
If you haven’t already done so, download October’s calendar, for more body-boosting ideas to get you started, and make it a daily commitment to take care of the only home you’ll have for your entire life!
When we are over-stressed, our emotional balance fails, and our ability to connect with others (and ourselves) is hampered. Reducing stress fosters self-compassion, emotional resilience, and deeper relationships.
Action for today:
Take 5-10 minutes to step back; it’s not as urgent as it feels. Tonight, look back and identify how you felt throughout your day. You may find a mood journal helps. Notice what stressed you out, and why, and be grateful for the opportunity to react differently in the future. Tomorrow morning, take 5 minutes to visualize your ideal day ahead where you manage your stress with calm.
For more stress reduction strategies, I’d recommend this workbook* - easy to follow, and sure to build your resilience. Thank you for reading the.Zee, take a deep breath and don’t let stress steal your joy today!
Simon
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