Nobody likes to be stressed. It can feel unavoidable and can happen at any time. Stress is actually the number one health concern of high school students and 80% of people at work feel stress. This leads us to our topic today.
Some stress is okay. It can be a challenge that leads us to avoid danger, be motivated to get things done, and keeps us alert. Consider promotional stress balls when looking for natural solutions.
So is stress just a mental thing or does it affect our physical health?
Getting Started
Yes, stress does affect our physical health. While the relationship between body and mind is frequently looked at from a religious perspective, the evidence of the relationship between stress and physical health is not up for debate.
Stress and Our Health
In excess, stress makes us sick. It can even increase symptoms of existing conditions. Being consistently under stress can lead to constant headaches, high blood pressure, chest pain, and an upset stomach.
Stress can happen to anyone
Stress can lead to emotional problems, too. This includes panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, among other conditions. Unfortunately, people who are stressed live shorter lives.
Treating Stress
Many of those who are stressed frequently have comforts that they turn to in order to relax. This includes drugs, gambling, overeating, buying things, and more. These temporary comforts lead to more problems of their own, and then more stress. They don’t solve anything by themselves.
Let’s talk about some safe and natural ways to relieve stress.
- Exercise
- Supplements
- Candles
- Reducing caffeine intake
- Journal
- Chew gum
- Laugh
- Spend time with friends and family
- Avoid procrastinating daily tasks
- Soothing music
- Deep breathing
- Prayer
Going further into some of these, we will pick a few to elaborate on.
Exercise
Exercise is a proven solution to treating stress. It releases endorphins, which are your brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitters. Aerobic activities such as playing tennis or hiking are great for this.
Improving cardiovascular health, immune systems, and digestive tracts all also come through exercise, which leads to less stress. Regular exercise leads to increased confidence, which improves your mood, helps you relax, and gives you the ability to focus.
Journaling
An adult way of saying keeping a diary. Putting pen to paper is something all of us can benefit from. Journaling as a stress management skill has the best effects when it is done consistently. It can still be beneficial when done sporadically, but it’s better to be consistent. It’s like talking to a therapist.
Journaling gives the ability to expand on feelings and thoughts, which helps gain valuable knowledge about yourself. It has significant problem-solving benefits which lead to an overall happier life.
Spend Time With Friends and Family
A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University discovered that family and friends can serve as a stress buffer. Talking about problems instead of going with negative coping mechanisms is extremely beneficial for one’s health.
People with large social networks have better cognitive functions, lower allostatic load, and a better memory. Having good relationships with others also contribute to these positive health effects.
Deep Breathing
We’ve consistently heard this throughout our lives, but is there any truth to it? Yes. Taking a moment and just focusing on breathing does in fact relieve stress. Deep breathing may actually be the greatest tool at all of our disposal when combating stress.
Your heart rate lowers, blood pressure goes down, and a strong message to your brain comes in loud and clear telling your whole body to relax.
The way we breathe affects our whole body. Reducing stress and relieving tensions are best done through proper breathing exercises. There are multiple different breathing techniques. Do some digging on the internet about the following breathing methods.
- Belly breathing
- 4-7-8 Breathing
- Roll Breathing
- Morning Breathing
The Wrap Up
Stress happens to everyone. It’s the severity and how we deal with it that determines the effect the body has. Did you know that stress balls are proven to be a natural and safe way of relieving stress? At 1001 Stress Balls, we offer promotional stress balls of all shapes and sizes. We also include the option to buy custom stress balls. Get started today.