Stress is a common factor for the majority of us. We live in a fast paced society, that is based on working all day with very limited time off the clock. We have to work hard in order to have freedom and live comfortably. So how can we manage these crazy work schedules we all endure? There are coping mechanisms you can use while dealing with stress. I use the word cope because stress can be unavoidable. Stress affects our bodies physically and mentally and takes a larger toll on our health if we do not take steps to reduce it. Here are five ways to reduce stress in your life…

1. Meditate. Meditation is the key to success. Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce the levels of stress chemicals within the human body. Meditation is the practice of calming and connecting mind, body, and soul. Meditation is necessary in modern day society as it brings us back to the roots of our existence. Take at least five consecutive minutes a day to meditate.
   

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2. Communication. It is hard to vent problems onto other people but in reality it ends up helping both parties involved. They will feel better knowing they could do their part to help you by listening. When you are stressing about a situation, try talking to a friend or a family member about it. It is better to talk about your thoughts when stressed rather than allow those thoughts to bottle up inside of you and self destruct. Free your mind.
3. Exercise. Any type of physical activity is a total stress reliever. Working out whether you run, do yoga, hike, swim..etc is the best way to balance your body’s chemistry. When we feel stressed our cortisol or stress hormones released into our bloodstream. In order to bring the body back into balance and reduce the stress hormones we need to build up the endorphins and serotonin levels within our body. Working out builds our happy hormones and also takes our mind off of the problems to focus on the present moment.
4. Music. I swear there is literally a music for every mood. When you are feeling stressed or upset it would be best to play some calming or happy tunes rather than death metal or the blues. Try to find balance with your music and adjust it to elevate your mood and balance out those stress levels. Music is a great way to focus on something other than stress building. I feel that music is one of the best things to calm me down when I’m stressed out. Try even listening to nature sounds on your headphones at work, feel the happy results!

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5. Gratitude. Try to be thankful about something in your life while you are feeling stressed out. Start making a mental note of everything you are grateful for and what makes you happy. This is a great way to focus on what matters in life. Our stress may last a minute, hour, day, or week but those things that we are thankful for last our entire lifetime. Try to be thankful for yourself and know you are enough. Be thankful that you can get through this hard and stressful time. Be grateful to be alive.