5 Fast, simple solutions to easing stress, depression and Anxiety

January 24, 2013

1. Take More Breaks

Working long hours without at least taking a break every now and then is a sure way to increase tension and stress. Be sure to take at least 1, 15-minute break early in the morning, and an afternoon break for about 20-minutes for lunch. It’s best to eat your lunch away from your work area if possible. It’s also essential to take a day or weekend off every once in a while to really go somewhere and relax, getting the extra breathing space really helps.

2. Exercise Regularly

Routine exercise can greatly relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. When you work out, it releases endorphins into your system and gives a natural boost. This also gives you the opportunity to get your mind away from focusing on your problems and troubles. This of course also depends on the type of exercises you perform.

Exercises to AVOID:

Weight lifting
Jogging
treadmills

These exercises induce brooding and can actually make you dwell more on your issues rather than trying to forget it. Instead, partake in exercises that demand your full attention and concentration.

Sports like tennis, squash, badminton, and circuit training are all appropriate exercises that aim to keep your mind on the game and not on your worries.

3. Don’t beat yourself Up

Typically, Self-deprecation is a major part of depression, stress, and anxiety. Every time you beat yourself up, you erode your confidence and self-esteem. It’s never a good idea to tell yourself that you’re worthless, hopeless, stupid, useless, boring, ugly, or a loser. Do not convince yourself that people hate you, no one likes to be around you, and that it’s best you be alone. You’re aware that these things are not acceptable to say to other people, so on that same token, you should never say them to yourself either. That saying about sticks and stones hurting, but words don’t, is not necessarily true. These kinds of words are very powerful and CAN hurt you. Nobody’s perfect, learn to accept that, and we all make mistakes, you’re no different, so cut yourself some slack. Make a pact or promise to yourself that from this day forward, never to indulge in self-deprecation again. It will not be tolerated

4. Avoid Blank Isolation

It’s understandable that at times we just want to be in the company of ourselves. However, it’s moments like those where you may tend to brood the most and focus on all the things going wrong in your life. As an alternative, use your “me time” a bit more constructively by occupying your mind with something like a jigsaw puzzle, crossword, reading a book, or by drawing or painting. This way, during your isolation time you’re actually growing and advancing in something while averting focusing on stressful depressive thoughts.

5. Turn AWAY From the Media

Did you know that watching TV, listening to the radio, or reading the newspaper can actually provide you with a daily dose of negativity and actually lower your mood. It’s no surprise the media typically focuses on negative aspects of life like corruption, crime, scandal, natural disasters and can really distort your view of reality. This goes without saying, but also the massive amounts of image manipulation they place in front of you. Try taking a break from media outlets for at LEAST a WEEK. You may just come to realize that you won’t miss them at all!



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