Stress has a massive impact on our health. There’s scientific evidence that it can worsen or increase your risk of countless health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and gastrointestinal problems. Stress can even impact our lifespan. And it can be tough to combat stress, because it can come from anywhere, at anytime. Family, work, and personal relationships can all add stress to our lives. But the good news is, there are many tools available to help you manage and combat your stress. One tip is to stop sweating the small stuff. You’ve probably heard this before. It’s an easy saying to remember, but practicing this methodology can be more challenging than it sounds. Here are five ways you can stop sweating the small stuff, to manage your stress, and optimize your overall health.
Put things into perspective
Putting things into perspective can make all the difference. If you’re stressed because you’ve been on hold with the cable company for an hour, think about how wonderful it is that your hearing works as well as it does. If there’s a hair in your food at a restaurant, think of how lucky you are to be able to afford a meal at all. Try to remind yourself how minor these inconveniences are in comparison to the grand scheme of your life. By putting these small things into perspective, you can take more control of your response to the situation.
Crowd out the stress
If you’re sweating over the small stuff and it’s hard for you to manage, do something else in that situation that physically and mentally takes up space. If you’re looking for your grandmother’s necklace you misplaced, go on a walk to your favorite park with a book in hand. Do something you find positive and helpful, that takes up space in your brain, and makes you feel good, to literally crowd out the stress. If you’re stressed about waiting in line, send a text to someone you love, just to say hi. Spending some time doing something else that takes up your mental and physical energy can help recenter you, and help reduce your stress. Then, if necessary, you can later return to the situation with a clear and calm head.
Focus on your breath
Focusing on your breath is one of the most effective ways of reducing stress in your body. There are countless breathing techniques that are proven to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, or the “rest and digest” response in the body. It triggers the relaxation response in your body, to help you destress, and cool off. Learning how to control your physiological stress response using your breath is a game-changing tool, that you can take with you anywhere, and use at any time.
Take stock of the good stuff
This is similar to putting things in perspective, but in a more concrete way. Grab a paper and pen, or make a note in your phone, and start listing things you are grateful for at that very moment. When little things start to bubble over and pile up, it can be tough to see just how insignificant they really are. By taking stock of the good things in your life, the things you are grateful for, you can help focus your energy on all of the good.
Take the time to process
Sometimes, sweating the little stuff is necessary, and unavoidable. Instead of suppressing your response, give yourself some time to process what you’re going through, without judging yourself. If possible, give yourself a specific amount of time, maybe 30 minutes, to mourn the loss of your favorite coat you left at the airport. During that time, allow yourself to feel freely. But afterwards, actively work to reign in your emotions. It’s okay to take time to process your feelings, and may even help you work through your emotions in a more effective and helpful way.
Supplements and Stress
In addition to these techniques, there are plenty of supplements here at HiLive Vitamins that are designed to help you manage your stress. You can head over to the “Stress Relief” section of our website to find a complete list of products we stock. You can also check out "The Must-Have Vitamins in 2020" that HiLife Vitamins recommends.
