We say ‘God is sarvantaryami’ (God is everywhere). If someone is competing with God, it is none other than stress. Stress is spreading its wings in every corner of the world. Stress is nothing but too much to do in less time. Whether intelligent or dumb, villager or a dweller of city, man or woman, everyone is succumbed to stress these days. Stress results into diseases to the body and mind, harms relationships, gives sleepless nights, and so on.
How to cope up with stress and live our life happily? Here are few tips for how to be stress free:
How to cope up with stress and live our life happily? Here are few tips for how to be stress free:
- Morning or evening walks: Walking in cool breeze especially in the mornings or in the evenings brings lot of relaxation to the mind and energizes the body. It would be good to avoid talking to people or taking calls on mobile while walking. Just observing the nature has a deep impact on the mind.
- Exercising: When we are stressed out, we prefer to watch television, play video games, or munch junk food. Rather than indulging in these activities which are not conducive to physical and mental health, it is a good idea to exercise and burn some calories. Exercise might include cardio, swimming, jogging, yoga, and so on.
- Gardening: Caring for plants and noticing them flowering brings lot of joy and relaxation.
- Cooking: If you have flair for cooking, it is good to indulge in cooking. Inviting friends over for a lunch or dinner and introducing them to your culinary skills is a good idea.
- Creative activities: Any creative activity changes the mood and relaxes the mind. Nature bestowed every human being with some skill or the other. Taking out some time and pursing a creative activity is a good stress buster. Creative activities include painting, playing a musical instrument, and so on.
- Clean surroundings: Keep your house and work place clean. Untidy surroundings put more stress on our mind. If you are stressed out on a particular day, start cleaning your house, book self, or wardrobe.
- Distance from negativity: Indulging in negative talk tires the mind and drains out energy. Keeping yourself away from negativity helps. Listening to inspirational talks or reading good books helps.
- Attention on food: Food plays an important role in our life. It is said that – ‘jaisa anna, vaisa mann’. Your mind behaves according to your food. Food with preservatives, sugar, all-purpose flour is not conducive for health. Fresh vegetables, fruits, salads, sprouts, millets keep the body and mind healthy. Keep your body hydrated by drinking 4-5 litres of water every day.
- Sound sleep: Lack of sleep or sleeping in odd hours results into stress. Starting your day early avoids stress. Sleeping late in the nights and getting up late in the day disturbs your metabolic system.
- Spend time with family and friends: When we are stressed out, we tend to neglect our family and friends. Have a proper work life balance.
- Learn something new every day: Learning something new and useful always enhance our confidence levels and keeps the mind young.
- Breathing techniques and meditation: Breathing techniques (pranayama) elevate energy levels and bring more enthusiasm. Meditation relaxes the mind and improves concentration.
- Service: When we keep asking ourselves – what about me, we become stressed out. Doing service without expecting anything in return brings contentment and keeps you stress free. Spend at least 4-5 hours a week for service activities.
- Svadhyay (self-study): Knowing who you are, what is permanent and what is impermanent in life completely stress free and gives inner strength. Devotion and having immense faith in the divine or nature is the best way to combat stress.