Learning to manage stress takes practice, but you can (and need) to do it. Here are 10 ways to make it easier. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to relax your body and mind. In addition, exercise will improve your mood. But you have to do it often to make it worth it.
So how much exercise should you do each week? Focus on setting fitness goals that you can meet so you don't give up. Above all, remember that doing any type of exercise is better than doing nothing. It's also okay and healthy to realize that you can't be 100% successful at everything at the same time. Be aware of the things you can control and strive to accept the things you can't control. You can practice guided meditation, guided imagery, mindfulness, visualization, and other forms of meditation anywhere and at any time.
For example, you can meditate when you go for a walk, take the bus to work, or wait in the health care provider's office. Try an app that shows you how to do these exercises. And you can try deep breathing anywhere. Try yoga on your own or find a class.
You can find classes in many areas. Hatha yoga, in particular, is a good stress reliever because of its slower pace and easier movements. Exercise, mindfulness, spending time with a pet, minimizing screen time, and going outside more often are effective methods. A 6-week study with 185 college students found that participating in aerobic exercise 2 days a week significantly reduced overall perceived stress and perceived stress due to uncertainty.
