Unfortunately. stress is pretty unavoidable. In between daily tube delays, upcoming presentations at work, balancing a social life, managing your finances and, quite frankly living through a pandemic, it’s no surprise that stress levels amongst us have risen exponentially in the United Kingdom (and across the world, for that matter).
What did surprise us here at Innermost, though, was that 30% of our tailored consultation respondents claim that they feel stress constantly. Not only this, but that same 30% stated that they find it impossible to switch off after work in the evenings and on the weekends, which makes having that all-important recharge and rest pretty difficult.
Not only is ongoing stress hugely detrimental to mental health, but it takes its toll on physical health and performance, too.
From a lack of energy and motivation to trouble sleeping, juggling relationships and a hectic work schedule, healthy habits can start to slip during times of high stress and anxiety, ultimately fuelling a vicious stress cycle. And let’s face it, when it gets to this point, it’s pretty hard to get yourself out of that funk.
The importance of de-stressing yourself
De-stressing yourself isn’t just important when it comes to the high-stress situations in your life such as a job interview, or perhaps that big exam. Stress affects us every day, and the impact has been reported to be so significant in terms of the impact on our health, that stress has been reported to directly cause heart attacks and even diabetes.
Reducing and managing stress levels
Whilst, as we’ve stated, and as we’re sure you know, it is true: stress is unavoidable. That’s just life. The important thing to note, though, is that we all have control over how we manage said stress, and these stress management solutions come in both short-term and long-term strategies. So, if you’re wondering how to destress yourself, how to calm down, or maybe just some general tips to calm anxiety, you’re in the right place.
And rest assured, with Innermost, you’re in good hands. Taking care of ourselves (and our community) is our thing. We love it. Thrive from it. Live for it, actually.
We’ve broken our tips up into two sections: how to destress yourself quickly, and secondly, our favourite stress reduction techniques for the long term. Let’s get stuck in, shall we?
How to destress yourself quickly
If in the moment you’re feeling particularly stressed and need a short-term, effective solution: check out our three top tips to calm anxiety…
- Engage in tailored breathing exercises
If you haven’t heard of the implementation of breathing exercises to calm your nervous system, now is a great time to try them. As an effective grounding technique, controlling your breathing allows you to return to a state of calm, and continue your day without too much disruption.
Try the 4-7-8 technique next time you feel stress creeping in. Inhale through your nose whilst counting to four, hold your breath whilst you count to seven, and exhale through your mouth whilst you count to eight.
- Go outside and get some fresh air
Don’t underestimate the impact of a change of scenery and the great outdoors. It’s the ultimate de-stressor, and it’s even better if you can get out in nature.
During your lunch break, before you start your day or even as a mid-afternoon break, get outside, take a brisk walk and reset. It will do you wonders.
- Take a break (and schedule regular breaks)
This links in pretty nicely to our last point. Make sure that you’re not overworking yourself, and taking regular breaks to ensure maximum productivity, maintain motivation and promote good mood.
Don’t work through your lunch.
Set timers throughout your day for a quick 5-minute break, toilet break or coffee run.
Be realistic with your day-to-day goals. If you can’t fit it all in, it probably wasn’t that urgent anyway.
Tips to calm anxiety, long-term
On the other hand, if you find that you are experiencing stress over the long term, and perhaps need techniques that can help you to adjust to habits that keep stressors at bay, take a look at these tips to calm anxiety in the long term:
- Try out The Relax Capsules
Formulated with natural stress relievers such as lion’s mane mushroom and ashwagandha, as well as valerian root, The Relax Capsules aim to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and help you better deal with stress on a day-to-day basis.
The capsule formulation of The Relax Capsules make this natural supplement easy to use wherever you are, and ensure that you are implementing a tactic daily against stress. Take two per day (we recommend in the evening), and you’re good to go.
- Engage in regular exercise
It’s time to shake that booty. Get moving, go for a walk, a spin class, get those running shoes on or even go for a swim: the choice is yours, just make sure you’re doing it.
Regular exercise has been reported to reduce stress levels by increasing your endorphin levels, boosting meditative effects and improving your mood. Oh, and don’t forget you’re doing your physical health wonders in the meantime, too. It’s a win-win situation.
- Make sure to prioritise yourself
Self-care is health care. Say no, make time for yourself, set boundaries, run a bath, have a cheat day.
It’s all good for you. What more can we say than that?
Summary
So, there we have it. Whether you need some quick-time stress reliving techniques or quick tips to calm anxiety, or long-term lifestyle and habitual style solutions to keep stress and anxiety at bay, implementing one (or all six) of these solutions will have an impact.
Take care of yourself, Innermosters!
