Did you know that 57% of people in a 2019 survey said that they felt “paralyzed” by stress? 45% of Americans report that they have stayed awake at night at least once in the last month due to stress. 34% of respondents in the same survey also said they have felt fatigued due to stress in the last month. In terms of health, stress cannot be overestimated. It can lead to heart problems, increased risk for all kinds of diseases and wreak havoc on nearly all of the body’s systems. Here are just some of the spooky ways it can manifest itself physically, emotionally and mentally:
So what do we do? Luckily, there are many things you can do to stave off stress-related health issues. Here are a few of our favorites:
Exercise
Just 20-30 minutes a day is proven to increase endorphins and lower anxiety and stress levels.
Meditate
Mindfulness and gratitude are instrumental to putting stressors into perspective. Try starting a journal or downloading a meditation app for when you’re in traffic, in line or feel your heartbeat start to quicken.
Book a massage
This one’s easy. The benefits of massage are nearly endless, but they can immediately release tension in our bodies, making us feel more at ease and ready to take on what’s in front of us. Book yours today!
Eat cleaner
If you find yourself eating when you’re stressed, replace your processed snacks with whole ones: carrots, broccoli, hummus, nuts, granola and apples are among our favorites.
Get more sleep
This might be easier said than done, but getting a solid seven to eight hours a night are bound to help you think clearer and be more productive throughout your day, decreasing stress over time.
Take action
Notice when you’re feeling stressed and what has triggered it. Develop better habits not only to deal with these stressors when they arise, but to proactively prevent them from becoming an issue. For example, if finances are weighing on you, try automating your bills and your savings deposits each month so you no longer have to think about it!
