Combat Stress with these Easy Things

Navigating the changes of midlife undeniably causes stress and stress can often be particularly overwhelming for middle aged women who are going through perimenopause and menopause. Needlees to say, irrespective of our age, we all like to reduce stress in our lives.

It must be remembered here that stress can be positive too and keep us motivated and on our toes. Stress becomes negative when we continually face challenges without relief. In such cases of uninterrupted stress, tension builds in the body, causing an assortment of physical problems such as headaches, upset stomach, high blood pressure, chest pain and sleep issues.

For women over 50, the effects of chronic stress are compounded. Your body is not as resilient as it once was, so it needs a healthier lifestyle to repair itself.

So what are the keys to less stress and greater happiness? They are actually not more money or material objects, says Rita Bhattacharya a Guwahati based psychiatrist. Positive action, good health, good relationships and a sense of optimism are the actual stress busters.

So here are ten ways to reduce stress and achieve emotional balance

1. Exercise regularly. Exercise reduces stress, improves mood and boosts overall health. It also helps you sleep better.

2. Build a support system. For some people, becoming part of a spiritual or religious community helps to reduce stress. For others it may be joining a sports club or a sewing circle. The key here is association with likeminded individuals. Irrespective of wherever you find them, solid friendships help you feel warmth, security and a connection.

3. Keep a positive attitude. Look for silver linings in bleak situations and the better news in the 'not so heartening' news and events. Make a gratitude list.

4. Let go of negatives. Accept that there are things you cannot control. Let go of things that keep bothering you but have no practical solutions.

5. Be assertive instead of aggressive. Instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive, assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs.

6. Find ways to relax. Learn to meditate. Try a relaxation app. Listen to the great music of classical composers. Yoga and gardening too are great ways to relax. For some cooking is a stress buster while for others a warm soak in a bathtub is hugely therapeutic.

7. Develop new interests. Having a sense of adventure can help reduce stress. Tune in to your dreams. Find things to be passionate about. Cultivate hobbies and be creative even in terms of finding solutions to everyday problems.

8. Get enough rest and sleep. When you are under stress, your body needs time to recover. Give it the rest it needs and do not rush things.

9. Eat healthy, balanced meals. Your body needs good nutrition to fight the effects of stress. A diet replete with fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts is great for stress relief. Also, remember that it is a bad idea to rely on alcohol to still your anxiety. The relief can only be momentary while the repercussions can be long and even life threatening.

10. Volunteer. When you commit yourself to helping others, you find purpose. You take the focus of yourself and achieve a feeling of accomplishment.

In short, do not let a harried and hectic world get the better of you. Make a little time, try a few of these tips and reduce stress.

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