Make no mistake – stress kills. It wreaks havoc on your sleep, can cause severe headaches, ruins your focus and much more. So, I’m handing you my five time-tested ways to beat stress and reduce tension in your everyday life.

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1. Focus On Your Top Three Priorities For The Day

Yes, you may have an avalanche of work, but a keen look at your list of things that need to get done will reveal that not all are a priority. You will realize that you can put off some for another day, delegate some or completely cut some off from your to-do list. Juggling all of the work won’t work. Therefore, create a list of the things you need to do in order of priority and start with the top ones then make the transition to the rest.

2. Plan Your Breaks

Our brains are not built to work continuously for long hours. You need to have a healthy balance between breaks and working time. Otherwise, lack of breaks will leave you feeling tired, stressed and tense. Go out for a short walk. Stretch. Breathe.

3. Change Your Seating Posture

Sitting in the same posture for long periods can chronically fatigue the same muscle groups. Hence, it is important that you change your posture every so often. Ensure that you maintain an upright back position, always. Listen to your body and if it tells you “I need a break”, take one!

4. Exercise

Getting your blood moving releases endorphins and can improve your mood almost instantaneously. Exercise gets the blood flowing, releases tension and stress on your body’s muscles and tissues, and rejuvenates your brain. Schedule some exercise of your choice within your day. It doesn’t have to be tedious; a few jumping jacks or a quick five-minute walk is better than no movement at all.

5. Unload Your Thoughts On A Piece Of Paper

When you have thoughts lingering in your head, it can feel like there is too much to think about. Sometimes all you need is to simply let out all your thoughts and feelings on paper, and that would do the job. This tip works wonders for everyone, but especially for those individuals who tend to overthink and overanalyze everything. Develop a habit of “downloading” your thoughts on paper and you will see how much easier it will be to make decisions, come up with solutions and simply get through your day with a more relaxed and happy attitude.

You need to understand that stress does not have to be a part of your life! In fact, it is toxic to your life. Manage it, reduce it and resolve it. Do this and you’ll instantly make yourself twice, or thrice as happy. Plus, you’ll be far more effective.

I look forward to you rubbing those stress bubbles out of your life, so you can be happier and more relaxed in every way!

To a more conscious you,
Yana

P.S. Do check out my “People Power” website as I share 8 tips you can use to network and connect with high-power people.

_{This post was first published on Yana Fry blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image credit: young lady reading a book at home from Shutterstock}

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