Even though technology has improved and life is much easier for the modern man or women, stress is still apparent in most people’s life. Unfortunately, innovation, social media, better medicine and knowledge does not do away with stress. We may not have a hard life, but we can all feel stress in our own ways. The things that stress you out today may not be the same things that will stress you out in the future or for someone else. Stress affects people in different ways. Stress is so common that a lot of people get used to it and don’t try or know how to decrease stress in their life.

One key to reducing stress is to deal with it at the source. Maybe after a long day of work at the office you go home to more work at home. In this scenario, fatigue, the pressure to accomplish task or the desire to compete may be the source of stress.  The endless problems in the day to day life regarding family, friends and personal life can put a person in a very stressful frame of mind. This stress can cause several chronic diseases as well as mental illness.  If you did get an illness from stress then it would only make you more stressed out and further the issue.

Sometimes stress can lead to certain critical situations such as, heart related issues, cancers and diabetes. Therefore, you should work hard to keep stress under control.  It is tempting to think that there is no way out from under the stress, but managing stress is easier than you may think. Managing stress simply requires taking small steps to gain control and avoid pressure.

7 Things You Should Do To Reduce Stress

1. Exercises regularly
   Exercise can reduce our level of stress. The body will release either endorphins or norepinephrine (according to recent research) to the blood, and this will boost mental health. Start a healthy habit of exercise. Not only will exercise help you reduce stress it also improves your overall health. A walk or run of 20 minutes can be more than enough to reduce your stress. An added benefit is the fresh air you will get when taking a walk. Getting out in the sun walking in the fresh air can do wonders emotionally.
2. Plan a vacation
   You may need to take a break. A lot of people forego taking a vacation each year. This is dangerous and can lead to burnout. The great thing about a vacation is that you get to take a break, escape and renew your mind and spend time with your family. The vacation you take doesn’t even need to be elaborate, expensive or far away. As soon as you start planning a vacation, you will likely feel a level of stress leave your body.
3. Take deep breaths & encourage yourself
   This technique is not used enough, but can be another successful way of cutting off stress before it takes hold. It is so easy that it can be practiced anywhere or in any type of situation. Just stop what you are doing, take a few deep breaths and then say something to encourage yourself or play some encouraging music like, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.
4. Meditate
   Meditation can be a very effective form of stress relief, though it is somewhat difficult to practice. The difficulties can be easily overcome by just selecting a simple meditation style which even can be done sitting in your office chair. Get some ear plugs, stretch and sit and pure silence. Try not to think about anything stressful and give your mind a break from the hustle.
5. Eat Healthy
   A lot of people feel stress because they are not eating the right foods or giving their body the nutrition that it needs. Start being selective about what you consume and maintain a balanced diet.  If you are not able to eat everything you need to consume the proper amount of vitamins and minerals, take a supplement. Quality multivitamins should have many nutrients that you are not able to get from food. When you body has the nutrients it needs, you will feel less stressed and be healthier.
6. Laugh & Do Things That Make You Happy
   Laughter and the happiness can trigger the secretion of the hormones, which can lower stress, such as cortisol, adrenalin and epinephrine. It can be done very easily by reading funny stories, comics or watching humorous movies. Most people know what makes them happy. Take mental notes of the things that make you happy and then when you are feeling stressed, do those things. I know that a cup of hot tea makes me happy. Therefore, when I’m feeling real stressed, I’ll make tea. Instantly, I feel better as I’m drinking my hot tea.
7.  Keeping a journal
   Writing what is on your mind is a great way to reduce stress. Some people feel stressed because they have too many things to think about. Sometimes getting it out of your head and onto paper will help tremendously. You can write down the factors related to the stress, and how did you try to get away from the situation. By keeping a record of stressful situations, you will be able to find a way to alleviate the stress of each and every situation according to your own method.

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress, practice one or two of the above ideas in order to minimize your stress. The ultimate result will be serenity and the relaxation of the mind.