Stress is something that affects everyone – and learning how to stress less is something we can all work on. You might be feeling too busy at home, you might not have enough space to relax, or you might be overworked from long hours in the office.

If these situations sound familiar to you, then it’s time to take action and learn how to stop stressing.

The first thing is to admit we’re feeling stressed, which isn’t a weakness but a strength. Then look at your mental and physical wellbeing, and consider where you want both of these to be. Do you want to be more relaxed? More attentive? More agile? Less creaky in your joints?

All of this has to do with stress, and once you pinpoint the mental and physical improvements you want to make, it’s time to put into action processes for how to have a less stressful life.

Why It’s Important To Reduce Stress

It’s really important to keep your stress levels down to a minimum. Of course, it’s always good to challenge ourselves now and again, as this is often where we achieve fulfilment. But too many challenges can cause us to stress more.

And when stress gets overwhelming that’s when our mind and body begins to shut down. It’s harder to think, compute and respond to mental tasks. It’s easier to panic and worry about small things. It also feels more difficult to do physical things – whether that be exercise or even just something simple like walking to the shops.

Chronic stress can affect your thought processes and lead to physical illnesses. But thankfully, if you’re seeking advice on how to stress less, there are some quick, easy ways to get started.

Talking with friends can help relieve stress and refocus your mind

How To Stress Less

Here at take good care I always try and contextualise what we do, monitor the amount of work we put into our business, and prioritise our customers. Doing this requires techniques on how to feel less stressed. So, here are five to get you started…

1 Get Moving

Exercise has incredible mental health benefits, including combating stress. It works in two ways. The first is that exercise improves your physical health, so your body can process more harmful toxins, avoid aches and pains, and make you feel more free.

The second is that exercise acts as a form of escapism, where you can forget your worries for a short period and focus on fulfilling your physical goals.

Discover our eco-friendly yoga and pilates range and start your fitness journey today.

2 Plan Ahead

Managing your time effectively can make the difference between a stress, jumbled life and smooth, calm one. It’s difficult if you have kids or relatives that need your attention regularly, but even then it can be done.

Start with mapping out your week, covering everything from work and social events to meals and journey times. You’ll be able to see if you’re being overworked, and where you can make time for yourself. What’s more, learn how to Pause with the excellent book by Kim Davies.

3 Sleep Right

How important is sleep? As we’ve discussed before, very! Sleep helps cleanse your body of toxins, and reset your brain for the day ahead. Getting the right amount of sleep means you’ll be fresh in the morning and will stress less at night.

Planning your sleep is important. If it’s hot, make sure to open a window in the evening an hour before you head to bed, so your bedroom is nice and cool. If it’s cold, slip a hot water bottle under the sheets 30 minutes beforehand.

Prepare for sleep the right way by creating a relaxing setting at home with our aromatherapy candles.

4 Talk Talk Talk

Talking stress over with a friend can be difficult if you don’t recognise you’re stressed. However, it’s a lot easier to notice you’re busy, rushed, can’t concentrate or feeling down. These are stress symptoms that we often don’t associate when feeling stressed. And they’re symptoms we’re much more likely to talk to our friends about.

A friend’s reassuring voice can help calm your mind and re-centre your focus. It can sometimes put things in perspective. And from here, you can begin to work on how to have a less stressful life.

5 Find Laughter

Laughter is said to be the best medicine. And while it’s not going to cure a lot of things, laughter does provide mental release from stress in our everyday lives. When we laugh we release endorphins that help you feel good and fight off stress.

Laughter can be found in many places other than watching a TV comedy. Friends and family can provide a great source of laughter, as can social clubs. Being active and laughing with others is a perfect, free first step to relaxing your mind.