In psychology stress is a feeling of pain and pressure. Stress is an inevitable part of life and is the root cause for majority of the problems.  Everybody is a victim of stress, children and adults alike. A little stress is good for you since it pushes you to get something done but too much stress can wear you down and affect you both physically and mentally.  

 Common causes of stress 

  • Marriage 
  • Work 
  • Divorce 
  • Death of a loved one 
  • Chronic illness or injury
  • Loss of job 
  • Financial issues

These are 5 tips that can help you get rid of stress and improve your mental health :

 1) Get physically active 

Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress. When you are physically active, your brain releases chemicals known as endorphins that act as natural painkillers and mind relaxers. Endorphins also improve your sleep quality which in turn is very essential for reducing stress. Incorporate physical activity in your daily routines as it not only helps reduce stress but also increases your concentration levels. 

2) Meditate  

Meditation is a relaxing technique that can help you beat stress, relieve anxiety and improve your cardiovascular health. Meditation offers a sense of balance, peace and calmness that benefits a person’s overall health. By learning to calm your body and mind, your emotional and physical stress can melt away.  

When you wake up in the morning try to spend at least 15 mins meditating, preferably outdoors or in a quiet place. This will help clear your mind and keep you focused. After coming back from work you can repeat the same thing to get rid of all the toxic stress caused due to your work. 

 

3) Stay organised 

Another way to reduce your stress levels is to sort out your priorities and get things done accordingly. Procrastinating increases your stress levels and mentally exhausts you. It is best to create a schedule and keep yourself organised to prevent panicking at the last moment. 

4) Cut down on caffeine 

Ironic that we often drink coffee or tea to get through work hours or study sessions. We normally gulp down cups of coffee to get rid of headaches and mental stress however caffeine has a totally opposite effect on the body. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system which causes rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure. It makes you jittery and increases your anxiety. Caffeine in small amounts is good for you but too much caffeine can have adverse effects on your body. 

 5) Take a break 

Taking breaks every now and then is very essential to keep yourself sane and for preventing mental breakdowns. It is important to know your limits and give yourself a break even if it’s just for 10 mins. Every time you feel pressurized leave everything aside and go for a walk, listen to music or just meditate. This will help you clear your mind and feel better. If you have too much of compiled stress, plan a short holiday if you can. Holidays are the best way to get rid of toxic stress that has been built up over a long period of time.