Many of us are under tremendous pressure these days. We have deadlines to meet and we are available 24/7. As many as one in seven employees suffers from burnout complaints. Do you ever suffer from stress? Then it is important to find moments of relaxation. We share 5 tips.
1. Stressed? Watch out for signs
With (long-term) stress, all kinds of physical and/or psychological complaints can arise. It is therefore important to recognize stress signals in good time, so that you can quickly apply the brakes. Stress signals include fatigue, headaches, sleeping problems, palpitations, restlessness, concentration problems, forgetfulness and difficulty making decisions. Relaxing is very important for your mental and physical health. That is why it is good to know which situations cause stress for you. It is then easier to look for solutions. For example, by calling in help or avoiding a certain situation.
2. Go for a walk, run or bike
Exercise – such as walking, running or cycling – is great healthy for you† In addition, exercise helps enormously in reducing stress. During exercise, your body produces endorphins, which are also known as the anti-stress hormone. By exercising enough during the day, your body relaxes, so that you sleep better. By the way, your walk really doesn’t have to take hours: 30 minutes a day is enough. So go for a walk during your break. Or cycle to your school or work if possible. Moreover, exercising outside has an extra advantage. Research has shown that exercising outdoors stimulates your creativity and problem-solving abilities. People who practice outdoor sports also feel more vital than people who practice the same sport indoors.
3. Go meditate
Are you already familiar with meditation? Meditation is a simple way to reduce stress. It takes effect quickly, even if you’re short on time. With just ten minutes a day you can already benefit from meditation. By meditating you train areas of the brain that influence our concentration and stimulus processing. During the day, our brains have a lot of information to process, causing our thoughts to fly in all directions. This causes restlessness and reduces focus and concentration. Meditation can help you relax and improve your concentration.
4. Read a good book, reduce screen time
Many people often look at a screen during the day. During work, but also in the evening after work, people use their mobile, tablet or TV to the fullest. Admittedly, it sounds relaxing to watch another series on the couch in the evening. Unfortunately, screens such as your tablet and smartphone emit blue light. This light makes you alert and your body produces less melatonin (also known as the sleep hormone). It is better not to look at screens an hour before going to sleep, so that your body can produce melatonin and you fall asleep faster. What can you do then? Read a good book. Reading can help you put worrisome thoughts aside. Just a few minutes of reading a day is enough to reduce stress!
5. Try a magnesium supplement
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals. The mineral is involved in no fewer than 300 body processes! Many people know that magnesium is good for the muscles. But did you know that it is also called ‘the relaxation mineral’?
When stressed, our body uses more magnesium than usual. In addition, your muscles are tense during periods of stress. As a result, your muscles need more magnesium to do their job. Magnesium helps to relax the muscles. By a magnesium supplement by taking magnesium citrate, bisglycinate or chloride you can ensure that your magnesium level is maintained. Would you rather not take nutritional supplements? Then magnesium oil or a (foot) bath with magnesium flakes is an excellent replacement. Magnesium is also absorbed through the skin.
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