The Power of Choice: Ways to Combat Stress

Making strategic life changes, such as finding a new job or starting an exercise routine, can significantly reduce stress and improve well-being.

Fremont, CA: Stress is part of life but ravages our bodies and minds if it becomes chronic. Effects of chronic stress range from an unpleasant problem with the digestive system to hypertension. Fortunately, some smart choices will significantly reduce your stress. Here are five key decisions to help you reboot your life and reduce stress dramatically.

Find a New Job

Finding a new job to mitigate stress is the most significant change you can make. The workplace is one of the most stressful sources of stress for most people, whether due to a toxic work environment, an overwhelming workload, or a long commute. Although changing jobs is momentous and stressful, the long-term benefits generally outweigh this initial anxiety. A new job can provide more favorable working conditions and a better work-life balance while being placed in a supportive environment—all of which can contribute to lower stress levels.

Start a New Exercise Routine

Exercising is a great stress reliever. It causes the secretion of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel good' drugs, to be produced within the body, which helps a person, in return, deal with their body movements rather than daily worries. The best approach is exercising regularly because of the different choices for exercise-stress reduction, including cardio workouts, yoga, or tai chi. Exercise must not fit any particular routine but must integrate into your lifestyle. Your body's physical and mental makeup will change throughout life.

Prioritize Sleep

Also, sufficient sleep will help control the stress. A typical person sleeps a mean average of 7 to 9 hours at night; however, such a schedule usually does not translate into quality sleep, thus depriving adequate rest meant to combat stress, so a cycle between one who lacks sleep enhances stress, and stress further disrupts sleep. Break the cycle with the priority of sleep by adhering to a bedtime routine, creating a restful environment, and abstaining from sleep-depriving stimulants such as caffeine before bed. Better sleep can make it easier to handle stress and promote overall health.

Cut Out Toxic People

Relationships play a significant role in our stress levels. Toxic relationships can drain your energy and increase stress, whether with friends, family, or colleagues. It's important to recognize these negative influences and take steps to distance yourself from them. This might involve setting boundaries, reducing contact, or sometimes ending the relationship altogether. Surrounding yourself with supportive, positive people can create a more nurturing environment and significantly reduce stress.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, seeing a professional is the best way to manage stress. A therapist will provide very useful tools and strategies for fighting stress while enabling you to understand the deeper causes that have led to the stress. Therapy gives you a space to express feelings, gain new perspectives, and learn healthier coping mechanisms. Whether individual therapy, group therapy, or counseling, professional support can be the key to curtailing stress and improving mental health.