Everyone experiences stress, but we all experience stress differently and it is important to recognize your own personal mental and physical symptoms. You may not even recognize that you are feeling stressed, but your body will attempt to let you know in a multitude of ways, and you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
- Clenched jaw or grinding teeth
- Trouble concentrating
- Upset stomach
- Itching or Sweating
- Insomnia
So what are some of the measures you can take to help de-stress? Here are a few of the proven methods that you can incorporate into your routine in order to help combat stress and increase your overall well-being.
- Get Moving with Some Physical Activity- Take some time to walk on a local trail with the family dog, or ride your bike around the neighborhood. Anything that will get your blood pumping can help to combat tension in your body.
- Improve your Sleep Habits- Start by removing the television from the bedroom, as this can impair your ability to fall into a restful sleep. If you struggle with turning your brain off, then you may want to make a list of all the things you need to do tomorrow as a sort of “brain-release.” You should try to accomplish 8-9 restful hours of sleep per night.
- Strive to Eat Cleaner- Start by replacing one meal a day with a healthier alternative. You don’t need to make a lot of dramatic changes all at once, just one small change per month. Replace your afternoon soda with a tea, or your dessert after dinner with an apple.
- Plan a Vacation- This time away from work doesn’t have to be a week- long cruise in the Bahamas; it can be a three day weekend driving to Williamsburg and you stay at Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast, where you will experience history, art, fine food, wine and much more to help combat your stress.
