Simple Strategies for Managing Stress and Boosting Mental Health

Stress is a common part of our lives. However, we often ignore it, are not able to control our response to it and forget the negative consequences it can lead to.

It is proven to lead not only to mental health issues but physical health problems as well, such as anxiety, depression, heart disease etc.

Therefore, it is necessary to spread awareness and develop strategies for managing stress and boosting mental health. Here are some science-tested strategies for the same:

• Stress Journal

The best way to deal with emotions is by expressing them. The feeling of letting out your thought and being heard without judgment can help lift off a heavy weight from the shoulders.

It not only helps with getting a control over your emotions but also improves mental health. Expressing your emotions, understanding why you got stressed and your response to it, can immediately lead you to coping with the stress in the way you feel most comfortable and also what you did to feel better.

 

• Exercise Regularly: 

You must have heard, that exercising helps boost your mood. But it’s true and is worth a reminder! Exercising helps improve your sleep pattern- which leads to better stress management. Furthermore, it also helps release hormones like endorphins which block pain and improve sleep. Going out for a walk, jogging, weightlifting, biking, swimming and other such exercises that make you feel active and help your mind to focus on your movements are some great examples of physical activity.

 

• Laugh Therapy:

Laughter is the best medicine!

Humour lightens burdens, draws us closer to people, inspires hope and relieves stress. While laughing we take in oxygen, which boosts our body and releases feel-good hormones. That’s not it! Laughter improves our immune system, improves mood for longer periods and also helps with positive physical changes in our body.

 

• Connecting with others:

Reach out to people around you. Be it friends or family, talking to a loved one can help you share your feelings and calm yourself. It is a natural way to tamper down stress. Having a conversation with a trusted person helps you relax and makes you realise that you are not alone in your battles.

Keep in mind, that the other person doesn’t have to help you manage your stress but be a good listener, because, as mentioned above, the feeling of expressing your emotions is one of the best ways to relieve stress.

Social contact offers distraction and is a great way to boost your mental health.

 

• Listening to some good music:

Listening to or playing some good music helps decrease stress hormones. This is a technique, I often use when feeling tense and trust me, it works wonders! 

With the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a 2011 study found that listening to music releases dopamine (the feel-good hormone) in the brain when listeners experience positive emotions. If music isn’t your cup of tea, you could do something you enjoy instead, such as sketching, dancing, reading or a hobby that could take your mind off stress.

 

• Develop Positive Thoughts:

Being optimistic helps generate positive emotions. Try to be grateful for what you have in life, such as a nice meal or the air conditioners you use during summers at your home. 

Optimists are more likely to have a stronger stress-coping mechanism which often comes into play during negative situations.

 

• Seek Counseling:

If you are unable to cope with your stress with these self-care strategies, it is best to seek counselling. Professional counsellors can be a great help during such times. They can help you with various ways to deal with issues and provide the best coping methods. A therapist can assist you with managing stress in ways that improve your mental health.

 

In conclusion, stress is extremely common, and if left unmanaged can lead to serious negative consequences. Finding a coping solution which can help you relive stress can improve your mental health. The given strategies can help boost mental health, tackle stress and maintain a  healthy and balanced lifestyle. It is necessary to take the right steps towards a wholesome life!