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"Taking a break isn't everything?" 18 ways to relieve stress

 

"Taking a break isn't everything?" 18 ways to relieve stress

Reporter Jeong Hee-eun (eun@kormedi.com)
 
 
 
Stress is a familiar emotion that everyone experiences. Various factors such as workplace issues, human relationships, social pressures, and family problems can lead to stress. Dr. Adam Borland, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, explains that the following methods can be helpful for managing stress.

1. Maintaining a healthy diet = When we are stressed, we tend to drink alcohol or overeat even when we're full to relieve stress. However, these may seem helpful in the short term, but in the long run, they can worsen stress, so be cautious.

Consuming caffeine and sugar can also negatively affect stress levels and sleep quality. Instead, eating a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods is helpful. Avocado, chia seeds, dark chocolate, spinach, and almonds aid in relieving stress.

 

2. Engage in regular exercise = Exercise helps not only physical health but also naturally relieves stress. Aerobic exercises or activities like yoga and jiu-jitsu that are enjoyed without competition are also good. Exercise releases endorphins, which help maintain positive emotions.


 

4. Focusing on sleep = The reason why good quality sleep is important is because it worsens stress. When stress prevents you from sleeping, you become more tired the next day, creating a vicious cycle where stress worsens further. Taking a warm bath before bed or drinking caffeine-free tea, among other new bedtime habits, can be helpful.

 

5. Nicotine Out = When you absorb nicotine through smoking or other means, it may temporarily feel like it reduces stress. However, this behavior actually increases physical tension and hampers blood circulation and breathing. In particular, for people experiencing chronic pain, smoking can worsen their pain.

 

6. Relaxation exercises = Taking time every day to relax the body plays an important role in stress management. Various techniques such as deep breathing, visualization training, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can be used. If you're unsure how to start, there are many well-known free apps available these days, so it's a good idea to find one and give it a try.

 

7. Reducing stress triggers = Most people have many things to do and little time. Managing time well is also a skill, in a way. It is important to prioritize and plan your day. Additionally, it is crucial to leave time for self-care.

 

8. Living a life aligned with your values = When your actions match your values, you can feel better and more satisfied. Reflect on what values are important to you, and choose a direction that allows you to act according to your desired path and standards.

 

9. Saying "No" = You don't have to meet everyone's expectations. You should know how to say "no" to demands that drain your time and energy. It is important to set healthy boundaries with family and others, and to maintain a balance between work and life.

 

10. Setting realistic goals = It is also necessary to acknowledge that achieving 100% success in everything is impossible. If you have perfectionist tendencies, you may become overly concerned about even small mistakes. It is advisable to learn humility and set realistic deadlines.

 

11. Self-encouragement = When feeling pressured, try to recall your strengths. Instead of criticizing yourself negatively, believe that you are strong and capable of overcoming. Through this positive self-talk, you can build confidence.

 

12. Moving away from smartphones = Mindlessly scrolling through social media or constantly viewing negative news are among the causes that worsen stress. Trying new projects or reading books, or taking a break from smartphones, are also good ways to help.

 

13. Connecting with those around you = When under stress, it is easy to avoid communication with those around you. However, talking with family or friends or spending time with them can help relieve stress.

 

14. Listening to music = Music is good for relieving stress. Just by listening to classical music while working or doing housework with your favorite songs, you can reduce anxiety and heart rate.

 

15. Walking with pets = There is research showing that simply spending time with animals reduces cortisol levels and improves mood. If you don't have a pet, spending time with a friend's dog or cat is also a good option.

 

16. Creating opportunities to laugh = Laughter greatly helps in relieving stress. Watch your favorite comedy show or recall funny situations and try to laugh.

 

17. Writing a diary = Expressing your emotions through journaling is also a healthy way to relieve stress. It is also good to write a gratitude journal to find positive aspects.

 

18. Taking supplements = Taking supplements cannot be overlooked. Supplements such as melatonin, magnesium, ashwagandha, and B vitamins can help relieve stress. However, it is better to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements rather than taking them arbitrarily.

 

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They say stress is the root cause of all illnesses.

Healing is better than this.

I think having more detailed information on the 18 items would be better.

 

Some of these must be practiced definitely.

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Comments 3
  • Profile Image
    커넥트
    스트레스 해소 방법 다양하죠 ㅎㅎ
    저는 나가서 산책하며 음악들어요 ㅎㅎ 
  • Profile Image
    지영도영
    스트레스 해소를 위한 여러가지 방법들 좋아보이네요
  • Profile Image
    은하수
    스트레스 쌓이지 않게 조심해야지요
    다양한 방법 소개 도움되네요