So this week is it mental awareness month and is something that either we have experienced, or we know someone who has some form of mental illness.
Mental illness is no joke and can be extremely debilitating for many. One of the main problems we see as personal trainers is high levels of stress in everyday life that can reduce individuals quality of life and also stop them progressing with any health and fitness goals they might have. If you haven’t read it already then read our post on why stress has such a negative impact on our physical state.
So we thought it would be a good idea this week to bring you 5 ways to help reduce your stress levels and help become the best version of yourself,
1. Eliminate the stressors
Now this one is probably quite obvious, but also one of the hardest to do for many and it is easier said than done. If you have a job that causes you chronic stress in copious amounts, it might be time to look somewhere else for work. Work stress is the number 1 stressor we see with all clients, and we appreciate to importance of being able to pay the bills, but more often than not people sacrifice their health and quality of life over a job. This is the same when it comes to relationships and other things that you have control over.
2. Exercise
This can be a great way to channel some aggression and release some of the stress acquired over the day. Happy hormones are released to make you feel better, and you will be craving the next big gym session! As much as exercise can help in an acute manner, the benefits that is will have longer term in regards to helping improve body composition, feeling more confident and positive changes to hormones can all help you keep on top of some of life’s stress’s.
3. Meditate
Now this is one that not many are open to, but the ones who try it have some great feedback! Taking 10 minutes out of your day either at the start, before bed or having a time out during your days stressful periods to meditate can really help. Give it a go and let us know how you get on!
4. Eat well
Proper nutrition will help you feel better within your mental effects of high stress, but it will also help you fight the negative affects that stress has on our physical state. Read our recent Instagram post on the allostatic effects of high stress levels.
5. Time management and stop procrastincation
Procrastination leads to major stress as everything gets pushed back and then panic sets in. With some effective time management within your day to say life you can make life’s stressors seem far more easy to take control of. Wake up earlier and prep your food instead of stressing about having nothing to eat later, set certain tasks to do in certain hours of the day so you don’t over lap and get behind. Write yourself a time management schedule, stop procrastinating and watch your stress levels drop.
If you need any help with any of these point then why not contact us to see what we can do for you.
