5 Ways to Reduce Stress and Feel Happier
Stress is a natural response to difficult situations.
In some cases, stress is associated with accelerated problem-solving and other positive outcomes. The best way to manage stress is to prevent it from happening. Here are five ways to reduce stress – and feel happier.
Go for a walk
One of the easiest ways to relieve stress is to take a walk.It is also one of the best ways to increase happiness levels. A University of Sussex study showed that people who walked outside had significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who stayed home.
Meditate
A growing number of people are discovering that meditation has a wide range of benefits, including stress reduction and increased happiness. While there is some debate as to whether meditation is an effective way to reduce stress, there is no denying its positive effect on happiness levels. Other studies have shown that meditation may have additional benefits for stress reduction, including improving attention and helping us better regulate our emotions and reactions to difficulties.
Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress levels and improve overall health. One study showed that participants who did aerobic exercise reported lower stress levels as well as improved mood and sleep quality. Another study showed that participants who exercised while listening to music had reduced feelings of stress and improved mental health and quality of life.
Talk to a friend
Spending time with loved ones and friends is one of the best ways to relieve stress and increase happiness. One study showed that spending time with loved ones lowers cortisol levels, which is especially helpful for people with high levels of stress. The timing of conversations with a friend also matters: one study found that shorter 10-minute conversations were just as effective in lowering cortisol levels as longer half-hour conversations.
Commit to something you love
One way to reduce stress and increase happiness is to take up a hobby or project that you’ve always wanted to do. Studies show that people who do their own thing and have a sense of purpose experience lower levels of stress and have higher levels of happiness.
Stress is a natural part of life, but it can be reduced by changing our lifestyle and environment. Take a walk in the park, meditate, exercise, or talk to a friend. Commit to something you love and reduce stress by living in the moment. By following these tips, you will reduce your stress levels and feel happier.
This article is written by a therapist from Sensera – a self-help app that provides daily CBT audio sessions and exercises. The app helps people deal with a variety of mental issues (anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems). Download Sensera now to become happier!
