{"id":1928,"date":"2018-10-23T10:00:48","date_gmt":"2018-10-23T10:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happy-hospitals.com\/blog\/?p=1928"},"modified":"2019-01-30T06:29:12","modified_gmt":"2019-01-30T06:29:12","slug":"6-simple-ways-to-reduce-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happy-hospitals.com\/blog\/6-simple-ways-to-reduce-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Simple Ways To Reduce Stress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\nIt\u2019s pretty much a known fact that humans are the most stressed beings on this planet. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can affect your digestive system, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and age you faster.  Here are a few simple ways to reduce stress and improve your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Meditate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I know how much of an eye roll this can be for some people, but it\u2019s more than just the \u201cgranola hippy\u201d trend that you believe it to be. We spend our entire day, from the moment we open our eyes, stimulated by the things around us. Social Media, News, Radio, and TV. We never really have a moment of just. . .nothing. That\u2019s what meditation is so helpful for. I know it\u2019s hard to really see any immediate benefits from meditating, but I promise you it helps your mental health so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to meditate for 3 hours- just a simple 10 minutes a day is so simple for anyone. You can follow a guided session on Youtube, or even download the app Headspace. I found it to be really helpful at getting me started. If you find it difficult to stick to stuff like that, honestly all you need is 10 minutes of silence. Just sit in a dim-lit room, close your eyes, and reduce any background noise. Try not to think of anything specific- like your tasks for the next day. It\u2019s okay for your mind to wander. We\u2019re not perfect, and just having this moment of silence is such a gift for your body and mind. Try it today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Go for a Walk
<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, just stepping away from the area where you are feeling stressed will immediately improve your mood. Preferably you live somewhere where the walk isn\u2019t too condensed with stimulation like a hectic city. I live right next to some woods, and it\u2019s always so relaxing to go for a walk on the trails in there during the day. It\u2019s quiet, the air is fresh, and I don\u2019t have to think about anything but just pay attention to my surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than being great for your mental health, getting some exercise in your body every day will improve your overall health. It can lower your blood pressure, and elevate your mood by releasing endorphins. It doesn\u2019t have to be a long walk, but if once a week, you could get a 30 minute walk in, I truly believe you\u2019ll start to feel so much better. Making it a routine will also give you a sense of anticipation every week, knowing you have this moment for yourself. Try it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Prepare for Tomorrow
<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I find this to be incredibly helpful at letting me sleep faster. It\u2019s so common for me to be laying in bed thinking about all of the things I want to do for the next day, and what I\u2019m going to wear, what I\u2019m going to eat, or what I\u2019m going to write about. Taking some time every night before bed to get everything ready will help reduce these distractions which only cause stress before you fall asleep. Who wants that? Some things I would prepare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n