5 Quick & Easy Tips to Fight Stress & Anxiety
As a counselor and therapist, my clients are always looking to me to give them easy and quick ways to relieve stress and anxiety. In my next few blogs I’ll share tips on how to battle stress and anxiety. Try these first five tips before moving on to the next.
TIP ONE: Move
Get up and move! Research has shown that motion creates emotion. You might have noticed that when you are just sitting around and not doing anything, it’s a heck of a lot easier to feel depressed. When we are idle, our heart rate decreases and less oxygen flows to the brain. We’ve all heard about how exercise has so many benefits, and there’s a reason for that! Exercise has a great effect on our moods. Exercising 3 to 4 times a week can really help turn around your mental state for the better. If you have a hard time getting to the gym, ask a buddy to go with you, or try a free class.
TIP TWO: Stop and Smell the Roses
What does it mean to stop and smell the roses? It means that it’s important to take time out of your busy schedule and really enjoy life. Take that trip you have always dreamed about. Plan fun activities that you really enjoy with your friends. Spend quality time with family. Pick up a new hobby you have always been interested in pursuing, such as art classes, learning a new language, or dance lessons.
TIP THREE: Help Others
Spend time helping others deal with their problems. It can be very therapeutic to engross yourself in assisting others. It might help you get perspective and see that other people are going through things just like you. Lend an ear to a friend who wants to vent, or volunteer at a local shelter or to a cause you care about. Take note though: don’t get so engulfed in others’ problems that you forget about taking care of yourself!
TIP FOUR: Laugh
I’m sure you have heard the old saying that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter has great effects on our bodies. It loosens our muscles and relieves tension that we may be feeling from stress or anxiety. Laughter causes blood to flow to the brain and heart. Laughter releases endorphins which are chemicals known for their feel good effect. Research has even shown that laughter can reduce the amount of pain a person is experiencing. Go to a comedy show, watch a comedy movie, watch silly Youtube videos, or hang out with your funniest friend and get in some good laughs.
TIP FIVE: Higher Power & Nature
Connect with your higher power if you believe in one. If you are religious or spiritual, spend some time praying or meditating. You can also connect with the universe by spending some time in nature. Go for a long walk on the beach or take a hike in the woods and be in awe of this world’s natural beauty.
Try all of the 5 tips above to see what works best for you in reducing stress and anxiety from your life. Once you find the one that works best for you make it a part of your routine and watch how life becomes so much brighter.
ABOUT ESSENCE OF HEALING COUNSELING:
Roberta Alves is a therapist and counselor at the Essence of Healing Counseling in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. She is a Certified Anxiety Specialist and uses a scientific and evidence based type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is proven to be extremely effective in treating anxiety. Roberta is truly passionate about the work she does and loves serving her clients in Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida areas. If you want to learn the proven techniques to overcome your anxiety, schedule an appointment today.
