Are you tied to your inbox? Constantly lying awake at night thinking about work or finances? Are you wondering how you’ll deal with your in-laws when they come to visit next month, or continually dealing with tense shoulders and a churning stomach?
Stress has a hugely negative impact on our health. It leads to weight gain, poor sleep, and can even be tied to more serious health problems. If you’re hoping to conquer your stress and anxiety and turn 2019 around, here are some tips to help.
Take a vacation
This may seem impossible, especially if you’re the workaholic type or you’re wondering how to pay the bills. But taking some time out has been proven to lower stress levels and make people more productive when they return to work. Of course, this means actually stepping away from your phone and not giving in to the urge to answer work emails.
Even if you’re in a tough financial situation, a vacation may not be entirely out of the question. One option is to take a cruise, and you can find a great cruise deal online. The great thing about cruising is that your fare includes entertainment, transport, food, and accommodation- meaning you’re unlikely to return home with a blown budget, but can still take some time out to explore the world (or just relax by the pool with a drink in your hand).
Learn mindfulness
If you’ve ever tried to meditate, only to throw your hands up in disgust at your busy mind, you’re not alone. However, mindfulness is slightly different, and it’s all about actually taking the time to be present in the moment. Check out the Headspace app, or consider using a guided meditation app like Calm, which has plenty of different types of guided meditation- focused on everything from better sleep to reducing anxiety and stress.
Set boundaries
One of the top reasons why many of us feel stressed is because we’re not putting boundaries in place for the people in our lives. If you can’t remember the last time you uttered the word ‘no,’ now’s the time to start. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and it’s important that you have time and space for yourself. If the idea of dealing with your mother-in-law for two weeks straight, while in the middle of a huge launch at work makes you want to throw up, you need to be honest and let her know that now isn’t the best time. The same is true for your kids, boss, coworkers, and friends. Start creating boundaries around your time and life, and you’ll immediately begin to feel less stressed.
