Here’s a great 4 minute video summarising stress. Sometimes understanding things can help us manage it. Or at least make it less threatening.
12Ways To Reduce Stress & Stimulate Your Parasympathetic Nervous System
It’s overwhelming to try to do all of these. So think of this as a menu to find what may help you reduce your stress. The ones you enjoy the most will be most effective.
There is a lot of research supporting these methods, but what works for everyone doesn’t always work for you.
It’s a study of one (you).
Exercise
General exercise on a daily basis can help
There's a lot of research on walking outside doing magical things for the brain and the body.
Use exercise as medicine to discharge the sympathetic nervous system when anxiety is high or your about to have a panic attack (walk, do squats, rows, pushups)
Realize nothing lasts forever. Nothing. Life is ephemeral. It's all temporary. The good and the bad. How you feel now is not who you are forever.
Get Social
Call friends or family
Go out in your community
Take classes or join clubs
Go for a walk in a populated place
Breathing Exercises
The breath can control the nervous system through the vagus nerve
There are many different types of exercises
Double inhale > long exhale
4-7-8 breathing
Google it. Or find one to follow along with on youtube
This can be very helpful and effective.
Laughter
Both studies and real life evidence shows this works. There was a guy that used laughter to cure his symptoms (Normal Cousins)
Watch stand up and good comedy movies
Start your day with a laugh
Music
Put on music you enjoy
Or music that matches your mood.
Eat Good Foods
Avoid over processed or sugary foods if you can
Eat to manage insulin levels
Sleep Well
Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night
Get up at the same time everyday
No screens 1 hour before bed
Develop a bedtime routine
Journal
Qrite down your worries or your gratitudes on a daily basis
Meditate
Find a guided meditation to help
Temperature
Try cold therapy or a sauna
Get Out in Nature
Go for a hike
Go walk outside in your neighborhood
Sit in the woods or a park and read a book
Look at the sky
Focus on a hobby
Try to do it everyday
And try to get just a little better at it every month