Here are ten tips for reducing stress and staying healthy:
1. Mind your own business
Minding your own business is golden. This is the one thing my mom drilled in us. It took me a while to get it, but now I am a master. There is peace of mind and reduced stress in staying in your corner and concerning yourself with the things that will directly impact you. Adding other people’s concerns to your already overloaded list is way too much weight.
2. Stay active
Move around as much as you can. If you cannot commit to an entire exercise regime, consider standing more than you sit during the day. At your lunch break, if time permits, go for a walk around the block. If you are at home, do a couple of squats and burpees. Go up and down the stairs a few times. Running behind your toddler is an effective way to get those steps in.
3. Stay hydrated
I am guilty of not always getting enough in a day, but I am up to a consistent six glasses. I will eventually get to 8. There are lots of health benefits to drinking water like:
- Aiding in digestion and preventing constipation
- Flushing toxins from the body
- Promoting healthy skin
- Preventing dehydration
- Boosting immune system
I have started using warm water instead of cold water, and that small change has contributed significantly to healing my stomach.
4. Avoid Overeating
Eat smaller portions of food. After a meal, I like to move around and not suffer from a sleepy syndrome. Eat smaller meals more often during the day. Experts say smaller meals promote an efficient metabolism.
5. Eat more fruits and veggies
Experts recommend that eating 5 to 10 servings of vegetables daily can reduce the risk of stroke, cancer, and heart attacks. With each meal, there should be either fruit or veggies. If you do not like the texture or the taste of veggies, make a smoothie and add a banana. Bananas are a great flavour and a natural sweetener.
In my case, I have to consider my consumption of fruits and veggies to include more alkaline veggies and fruits than acidic. Click here for a guide that I use for quickly identifying alkaline and acidic fruits and veggies.
6. Regular doctor checkups
I am a firm advocate of “prevention is better than cure” According to www.alphacaremedical.net, many illnesses like high blood pressure do not have symptoms; most people do not know they have it until they suffer from a heart attack or stroke.
Schedule an annual physical – get all the milestone tests that are recommended. Early detection of an illness gives you an advantage; you can have whatever addressed. Of course, if nothing is found, that is great as well. At least you will know your status.
7. Drink Less Alcohol
I would occasionally have a glass of wine on a special occasion, which is as far as my alcohol consumption goes. Too much alcohol can contribute to gastrointestinal tract disorders and a long list of other issues. To each his own on this one.
8. Surround yourself with people that do not drain your batteries
It may sound crazy, but the less drama you have in your life, the better it is for your health. Some people always complain, and when they are done pouring into you, you feel weighed down. I know we all have cloudy days, but we have to face those days head-on, those issues head-on, and then move on. If you always have a problem, you might be the problem.
9. Do something you love
What is one thing that brings you joy? Is it reading a book, planning your family outings, painting, dancing, karaoke, cooking, face timing with your loved ones? Do it.
10. Self-care
Taking a minute for yourself is beyond important. As parents, moms especially, we know that everything is for and about our little ones, but if our cup is empty, how can we fill theirs? Do something just for you. Indulge yourself with a massage, a manicure or a pedicure. Do deep breathing exercises or just go to bed early. Have you noticed how boosted you feel when you do something for yourself? Before the pandemic started, Friday was my day. I would drop the twins at daycare and take my time to do everything. By the time I went to get them in the afternoon, I had the energy I needed to tend to them again. Now that we are in the pandemic, I try to enforce quiet time daily; it does not always work but I get to read or write a piece when it does.
I found this fun quiz online; it is a life span calculator. We have no idea what our life span is. Ultimately, that knowledge lies with Our Higher Power, but it shows how preventative maintenance may promote longevity.
Lifespan Calculator – Test Your Life Expectancy || NM (nmfn.com)
I’m working on my hydration this year to do my best. It’s so important in so many aspects of our lives.
I’m right there with you. Hydration has been a long-term battle of mine.
Those are some great tips! I like do what you love the best!
Thank you; that is one of my favourites too.
Some great suggestions here on staying healthy, especially on getting a yearly test done to ensure there are no underlying health problems and concerns
Thank you. Prevention is better than cure.
Oh how I love, “Minding your own business is golden”! Life is far less complicated and happier when I’m not fighting battles that are not mine to fight.
I have found since working out more often (which in turn makes me drink more water) I do feel less stressed. I need to try and avoid overeating as it’s something I definitely do x
I am still working on my water intake. It’s a journey.
This is perfect for the start of the year for everyone looking to get healthier this year! Great tips, I really enjoyed reading this.
Thank you!
It’s important to set boundaries and set time aside for yourself..to enjoy your own company and reconnect with yourself. Great tips here! Mental health is SO important.
Mental health is often overlooked but like you said it’s SO important.
Staying hydrated is very underated. I often overlook this one myself but when I do my best, I feel my best.
Very underrated. I am working on my intake daily.
My stress levels sometimes are insane. These are great tips, thank you!
You’re welcome. I refer to this list from time to time, especially when feeling derailed.
I’m working on staying as active as possible and drinking more water. I love fruit and veg, although probably don’t each as much as I should.
A little effort goes a long way. I am getting better at tracking my water intake.
So many great tips in here, perfect for the New Year New Me frame of mine. I never realized that over eating could affect stress – thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your feedback. Overeating puts a significant strain on our system. It’s something that I have to monitor in myself. I am a grazer, lol, and it compounds quickly.
For me staying active is really important – I really find exercise is the best stress buster and I have to do something daily else I can feel it building up!
Exercise helps me a lot too. I have so much more energy during the way when I exercise.
That’s sums up everything we can do to avoid stress. One more thing I want to add will be “Don’t care about small and stupid things”. I hope you will agree with me. Lol
I 100% agree with you.
These are excellent tips. I struggle with anxiety and need to find a way to de-stress more. Thank you!
You’re welcome. I can relate to the struggle with anxiety.
Outstanding post! Minding your own business is definitely a great point to apply to my life..
~Michelle
https://michellescrazybusylife.net
Michelle, it has kept me out of so much trouble. I am in my corner, and I am only aware of most things that concern me.
Great read. Thanks for the list. There were some things on the bad list that surprised me. Time to change it up again I guess. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how easily accessible doctors are in this pandemic to keep up with yearly checkups but yes, a great tip to keep up with our health and to check-in every so often.
Thanks for reading. The list surprised me too but alas there’s always room for improvement. The pandemic is definitely a hindrance to yearly checkups and all other non-COVID illnesses.
Great read indeed, I would add, look for the good in every situation! See the glass half filled !
Thank you for ready Tash. Those are great suggestions sis, thank you.
The list of alkaline and acidic foods is of great interest to me. Thank you.
You’re welcome. I refer to it on an almost daily basis.