How to Lower Stress with a Busy Lifestyle

Let's face it. Most of us live in go-go-go environment where there is always something to do and never enough hours in the day. Busy lifestyles can lead to unhealthy amounts of stress and anxiety, altering our moods, our outlook and often our productivity. By lowering the unhealthy stress, we function better in our busy lifestyles and improve on our physical and mental well-being. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

• 1

  Take time to plan your day or your week. Knowing what lies ahead helps you make the most use out of your time. Why make two trips across town to drop off dry cleaning and pick up your prescriptions. Instead, make one trip and use the extra few minutes for deep breathing exercises, listening to relaxing music or meditation, all of which can lower stress.

• 2

  Maintain a planner or calendar system. Suddenly realizing that you have an 8 A.M. dentist appointment while you should be volunteering at your child's preschool will simply add unnecessary stress.

• 3

  Prioritize your activities and ensure they are rewarding to you. While this may not get you out of cleaning the gutters, you might find a better time to fit that task into your schedule. You may realize it is time to step down from a committee that has become less rewarding than it was at one time.

• 4

  Make time with those you love. The relationships that are important to you should add to your life in positive, challenging ways rather than cause unhealthy stress or pressure.

• 5

  Rest, eat well and drink lots of water. Getting the proper amount of rest will start you out on the right foot and help you stay sharp and focused rather than weary and preoccupied. Healthy diets lowers your physical stress and allows your body to naturally care for itself while you are busy trying to save the world.

• 6

  Set aside time for exercise to lower stress. Busy people often put exercise off to keep up with the rest of their lives. If you do not have enough consecutive time to get in a work out, break it up throughout your day. Take a walk during your lunch break and then work on crunches during the evening news. Get in a quick 15-20 minute jog first thing in the morning and then walk your dogs after dinner.

• 7

  Seek counseling if you find you need assistance in making lifestyle adjustments. Professional guidance can help in determining how to manage stress gradually and so you benefit from the changes.