We all get stressed from timed to time in our business and personal lives. Here are 25 strategies for alleviating stress – I use at least half of these techniques on a regular basis to relieve my own stress:
- Exercise regularly, such as going for a run, doing yoga, or lifting weights. (I have a rowing machine on which I work out daily!)
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Get enough sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit your intake of sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
- Connect with friends and family, or consider seeing a therapist or counselor for additional support.
- Prioritize and manage your time effectively, and learn to say “no” when necessary.
- Engage in activities you enjoy, such as reading, writing, or playing a musical instrument.
- Practice mindfulness, such as paying attention to the present moment and your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
- Take a break from technology and social media.
- Seek professional help if you have any underlying health conditions.
- Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal or notebook.
- Take a walk outside and enjoy nature.
- Listen to calming music or sounds.
- Practice gratitude by writing down things you are thankful for.
- Take a warm bath or shower.
- Try aromatherapy with essential oils.
- Do a puzzle or play a game.
- Read a book or watch a movie.
- Try a stress-relief app or online program.
- Volunteer or help someone in need.
- Practice yoga, tai chi or other forms of movement-based stress relief.
- Take a mini vacation or a day trip to a nearby place you haven’t been to.
- Get a massage or other form of bodywork.
- Try progressive muscle relaxation where you tense and then relax muscle groups.
- Create a vision board for your goals and dreams.
It’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so it may take some trial and error to find the best stress-relief strategies for you. It’s also important to keep in mind that stress is a normal part of life, and it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with it.
I found my corporate life extremely stressful towards the end. I left corporate banking in 2001 at the age of 43. It was a big lifestyle decision to start my own business and leave the shelter of a large institution. It takes courage to give up a large income and package of benefits when you have a family!
Fortunately, I had paid off my mortgage by age 38 by not living up to my income and paying it off early. I never regretted this decision because it would have had severe health implications if I had clung on to my job in the Bank.
Your health is more important than even money so my advice is to guard your health above all else because without it you cannot enjoy life. If you have good health, you can always earn money but without it, it becomes difficult, if not impossible!
