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Aug 26 2024
How to Relieve Stress: The Healthiest and Most Effective Methods
Stress is a completely normal - and unfortunately unavoidable - reality of life. From work, to family, to friends, to finances, there are millions of reasons why we experience stress in our daily lives. But what you might not know is we are designed to handle it! Stress can help us prioritize tasks and solve problems. It’s our body’s way of helping us focus.
But, stress can quickly spiral out of control without intentional strategies to help curb anxiety and channel incorrectly. Here are the healthiest ways to relieve stress so you can seize the day and feel great doing it.
Discover the Healthiest Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Some good news here: The best stress relievers are simple changes you can make to your daily routine! There are three main categories of stress relief strategies:
1. Exercise - Movement is a well-proven antidote for stress and anxiety. We’re partial to dancing, of course, but any movement will do! So whether you prefer slower-paced workouts like yoga or walking, or high-intensity workouts like HIIT or lifting, all paths can help you achieve lower stress levels. Explore some of our awesome dance fitness classes that are proven to not only reduce stress, but are also a great time!
2. Diet - It may sound cliché, but an engine can only run as well as the fuel you put in it. The same goes for our bodies and our minds! Research shows a clear link between stress levels and the foods and drinks we consume. The major culprits that steal your peace in the food and drink department are sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. Reduce those items and increase your intake of whole foods, veggies, and water, and you’ll notice a huge difference in your mental health.
3. Daily habits - Our habits throughout the day can have a huge impact on our stress levels - especially when it comes to technology and sleep. We’re sure you’ve heard it before, but spending time on social media is clearly linked to poor mental health and stress. So stop scrolling and go for a walk, read a book, or schedule a coffee date with a friend instead. Next, prioritize good sleep! Restorative rest is one of the best things you can do to improve your stress levels. Better sleep leads to more balanced hormones, leading to better mood regulation. It’s a beautiful cycle! So turn off that phone and get to bed - you’ll thank us later.
Why Exercise and Healthy Habits Are Key to Relieving Stress
When you exercise, your body releases the feel-good hormone dopamine. Exercise also helps regulate cortisol, our stress hormone. You may notice increased energy levels when you exercise regularly, allowing you to tackle some of the daily tasks that can lead to stress.
Establishing daily and weekly exercise routines to get your body moving, especially with a group of like-minded, encouraging friends, is a killer way to combat stress in your everyday life. Not sure where to start? Explore our cardio, strength, and flexibility-focused Jazzercise classes that will boost your endorphins and equip you with the resilience to take on ANY day!
The Best Ways to Relieve Stress Naturally
Bottom line? Natural stress relief boils down to a simple combo of lifestyle tweaks that will make a big difference. Daily movement, less screen time, better food, and great sleep are simple, all-natural remedies for stress.
Ready to take control of your stress? Find a Jazzercise class near you today!