Imagine a year where you feel in control and capable of handling whatever life throws at you. Imagine a work life where you don’t feel like you are floundering. Imagine relationships that do not leave a knot in your stomach, but instead are supportive or, at the very least, not negative. Imagine sleeping better at night and just being healthier overall. Sound enticing?
With the New Year right around the corner, if you are wondering where to focus your efforts for a better, healthier you in 2017, read on. You could have that better, healthier year that most of us crave simply by focusing on kicking the stress habit. While stress may start in the mind, it has a physical impact on the body. It not only hampers sleep, but also exacerbates pre-existing conditions, making them worse.
Here are 5 proven health moves you can make to beat the stress habit and learn new ways of dealing with the stressful in your life.
- Find your Zen place.
Meditate, breathe, do yoga. There are any number of activities that can help your mind let go of its hold on worrisome events that are stressing you out. Numerous studies have been done on meditation. And research published in Harvard Health Publications suggests that meditation eases stress and anxiety. How to begin a meditation practice? Meditation is about learning to observe your thoughts, so what brings you to that place of Zen is different for many. Some focus on their breath, others focus on a single word. Others use images or sounds. Go here for a guide to help you get started.
- Trim the fat.
Experienced travelers know to cut the non-essentials. This mindset is one that helps with realizing that often our daily lives are weighed down by having too much stuff and too many obligations. Try trimming down on both so there is less clutter in your mind. One less thing for you to think about is one less burden on your shoulders. As you approach 2017, make your load as light as possible.
- Release the feel-good brain chemicals.
Massage has been around for thousands of years, and anyone who has experienced massage can understand why. Aside from helping with muscle repair and recovery, it has another attractive benefit. The ability to melt away tension and stress. Massage triggers the release of the feel-good brain chemical dopamine. But at the same time it also reduces the amount of cortisol in your system. Which is the hormone the body releases when faced with stressful situations. At this foot massage Atlanta spa, you can get a wide range of massages, such as deep tissue massage and sports massage. For instant stress relief, you can’t go wrong with a massage.
- Get on the move.
Exercise is another means of releasing those feel-good chemicals we talked about earlier. And if you are the type of person who can’t stick with an exercise routine, then just know that something as simple as a walk is enough to put you in a better mood.
- Get into a gratitude habit.
People who look for things to be grateful for throughout their day have been shown to be more emotionally stable. Plus, they are better able to handle difficult coworkers, stressful jobs, and demanding bosses. The brain is a muscle, so the more you work at making your outlook positive, the easier it will get. Make focusing on the positive and cultivating optimism the habit that helps you not only cut out stress but also be happier overall. And if you need help with reminding yourself to count your blessings, try the following. Use stressful situations as a cue to yourself to look for aspects that you can be optimistic about!
With just these simple moves, you can achieve a healthier, happier you in the coming year.
