5 Changes You Should Make In Your Life To Beat Stress

There are various studies that draw attention to the fact that stress is becoming one of the leading causes of various health problems today. The truth is, despite the alarming stats, we already know all about stress because we go through it frequently; at times, even without realising it. Stress is the body's natural response to pressure. It can have a negative effect on our body, mood, as well as behaviour, with wide-ranging effects like headaches, anxiety, fatigue and irritability.

The causes of stress vary from one person to the next, and so do the effects. Stress can be harmful for the body, and is the cause of many health and lifestyle problems. So rather that making peace by saying to yourself that stress is inevitable, you actually need to start working towards managing it better. To begin with, here are simple but effective lifestyle changes you need to make to cope with stress:

1. Unwind with physical activity

All forms of physical activities - be it walking, running, swimming - are useful in managing stress. Exercising has many benefits such as releasing endorphins and calming the mind, with a reduction in stress levels being an added bonus. Even 45 minutes of physical activity a day goes a long way towards managing stress levels.

(Also read: 6 Indian Superfoods To Include In Your Diet For A Health Boost)

2. Organise your life

Organising one's workload leads to a sense of control and peace of mind, and there are many ways to achieve this. One is through adopting good time management skills to prioritise tasks and allot time to complete them. Switching between tasks and having them pile up often becomes an additional source of stress. Decentralisation of tasks or asking for help as and when required is also a good way to reduce stress levels.

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3. Use herbs in your daily diet

Herbs like Ashwagandha have been proven to be effective in managing the negative effects of stress. According to Ayurveda and modern research, Ashwagandha helps reduce the damaging effects of long-term stress by rejuvenating the mind and body. It is an adaptogen that helps the body stabilise physiological processes, maintain a healthy balance between different biological systems, and support better resilience to stress. Other helpful herbs include lavender, basil, brahmi, etc.

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4. Eat the right food

Your eating habits have a significant impact on stress levels. Following a healthy diet with a good balance of different food groups and all the required nutrients is essential. A diet rich in different food groups such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, fish, and poultry would help you get the carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins and minerals you need. A well-nourished body is better able to cope with the physical and emotional effects of stress.

5. Get enough sleep

Sleep is essential in stress management. Not getting enough sleep typically leads to irritability and fatigue. Oversleeping can make us sluggish, depressed and puts our health at a higher risk. Getting the right amount of sleep, between 7-8 hours, is a good way to stay energised and effectively manage the challenges of the day.

In this busy and stressful life, these simple and natural methods can help you manage stress and maintain good mental and physical health.

With inputs from IANS