5 Ways to Manage Stress

Melissa Martin, Staff Writer

Life can be very stressful at times, but it is very important to have time to relax and unwind. Use these tips to relieve stress.

Exercise: Exercise is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress. Not only will it help relieve stress, but it’s also very good for your health. You should exercise about an hour a day whether it be jogging or doing simple stretches.

Relax Your Muscles: When you work hard, your muscles can get very tense. You should loosen your muscles up by stretching, taking a hot bath, getting a massage, or getting a good night’s sleep.

Eating Well: Eating a well balanced diet will help you feel much better and more relaxed as it can help improve your mood. Your meals should be full of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein for energy. And don’t skip any. It’s not good for you and it can put you in a bad mood, which can actually increase your stress.

Take a Break: Taking a break from work can get your mind off the stress. You can listen to relaxing music, or simply take a quick nap.

Hobbies: Hobbies are a great way to relax and have fun doing certain things that make you feel good. It doesn’t have to be all the time, it could just be 15-20 minutes every now and then. This could include reading, doing puzzles, watching TV or a movie, board games, or any type of sport or exercise.