Stress | 7 Ways to Reduce Stress
Yoga for Stress Relief
The impact of stress in Australia is at its highest now since the start of Covid-19, and it’s one of the biggest health issues in Australia, causing more anxiety and depression. Stress is also on the increase among teens and young adults. Many people, may not be aware Yoga can transform how you cope with stress, improve your health and boost your moods. Yoga is so much more than just stretching and relaxation, it’s a complete mind and body workout! The good news is everyone can do Yoga from kids to adults, even if you are tight or in a wheelchair, all from home or in a yoga studio.
What is Stress?
Stress is the body’s response to a challenge or change. Everyone experiences stress differently, which can be triggered by many factors like a change in life, job loss, divorce, financial issues, or death. Long-term stress may lead to mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, and also can cause other health conditions like heart disease and inflammation. Stress can fatigue the body and mind, and affect the quality of our living and relationships.
Signs of Stress
Constant fatigue
Sleep issues
Weight gain or loss
Headaches
Heartburn, Nausea, tummy aches
Irritability and other mood changes
Feelings of burnout at work
High Blood pressure
Getting lots of colds and sickness
I worry most of the time
Lots of negative thinking
Using alcohol, smoking, and drugs to relax
7 Best Tips to Manage Stress
Regular Yoga practice:
Yoga teaches you to relax, using breath, postures, and meditation techniques. It allows you to connect on a deeper level and be more aware of what feels good for you and what doesn’t! Learn different breathing techniques to help you relax and reduce stress. Yoga also helps you improve sleep, energy levels and be less judgmental of yourself. Some great Yoga postures to promote calmness are; Child pose, downward dog, and supported forward bends. Yoga breathing techniques can also help you manage stress and anxiety.
Regular Meditation:
Research has shown meditation helps to lower stress by quietening the mind and to be more present. There are many meditation techniques, that can help you manage stress. More information on meditation techniques is here. You can start with 5 minutes a day by closing your eyes and gently counting to yourself up to a count of ten, then repeat as many times as you want. Meditation positions can be lying with support, or sitting in a chair, as long as you are comfortable, still, and focused.
Healthy eating and drinking:
Eat more fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish to help strengthen your immune system and body to cope with stress. You will gain more energy and nourish yourself more with improved eating. Reduce or stop alcohol and smoking, as this has a negative effect on the whole body and causes more health issues.
More awareness of triggers:
Be more aware of your stress triggers so you can start making some changes in life. Maybe it’s time to move away from a person, a place, or a situation that is causing you stress. Even if it’s temporary until you get help.
Self-care:
Allocate more time for relaxing activities to help you relax. Learn good time management to fit in time for things you enjoy. Get a massage, read a book, listen to music, and learn to be kinder to yourself.
Counseling:
Counseling can help you recognize stress and give you techniques to cope, with a management plan. Learn how to build resilience with setbacks. If you need help straight away call lifeline 13 11 14.
Exercise regularly:
Aerobic type of exercises like walking, biking, running, and swimming, releases natural good feel hormones. Don’t forget to add some Pilates exercises to your weekly routine to build strength.
Help yourself more by not multi-tasking, making more time with friends and family, and letting go of negative thinking. You can work towards calming your body and mind more in a Kevala Health live-stream yoga class in the safety of your home. You don’t need to be flexible or young to start yoga!
Manage your stress with our 14-day FREE trial for live yoga online classes for anyone in Australia. Try a Kevala Health restorative yoga online class and the benefits here.