National Stress Awareness Day, which was on the 7^th of November this year, aimed to present a more positive, proactive and manageable approach to stress management. There are many causes of stress which may build up to undermine our natural ability to cope, leaving us tired, anxious, irritable, and making stress more infectious. 

To demonstrate how positive actions can reverse that trend, here are our Top 10 Stress Busters:

1. Smile

Smiling is quick, easy and free! When you smile, feel-good hormones are released in your body, whilst the stress hormone, cortisol, is reduced. Smiling lowers your blood pressure and makes you feel good about yourself.

2. Exercise

Apart from the known benefits to your general health, exercising is highly effective in combating stress by improving blood-flow to the brain and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and feel-good hormones.

3. Get enough rest and sleep

Taking a rest does not only mean not doing anything. A rest from work can also mean focusing on what you do in your leisure time- from hobbies and sports to holidays- to counterbalance work and everyday stress. A good night’s sleep is also important for energy, good concentration and general health.

4. Think positive

See your thoughts as the determiner of your happiness. It takes practice, but changing your thoughts is not as hard as you think. If you succeed at doing this, the negative tension that leads to much of the stress in your life will be reduced.

5. Reach out to others

Don’t try to reduce the pressure or tension in your life on your own. From time to time, everyone needs a support network of friends, family and other people- whether it is a sympathetic ear or practical help.

6. Achieve a good work-life balance

No matter how ambitious you are, don’t let work dominate your life. Make time for relaxation and fun.

7. Relax

Make relaxation a regular part of your daily routine. A good relaxation technique is an anti-stress weapon that can help you deal with any stressful situation as and when it arises. There are numerous relaxation techniques- find one that is right for you.

8. Eat healthily

For dealing with stressful situations, your body needs to function at its optimum level. Eating a balanced diet will provide all the nutrients your body requires to do so. Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and sugar and depressants like alcohol and nicotine will keep your blood-sugar levels constant.

9. Indulge in hugging

Make sure to get and give a good share of hugs. Apart from making you feel good, hugging has been proved to reduce the stress level, cortisone.

10. Seek professional help