5 Ways to Beat Stress and Boost Happiness

These modern times have brought us a lot of innovations and different ways to improve our lives. However, they have also imposed an incredibly fast pace of life on us.

This is the time when we feel constantly under pressure and in a hurry. We are stressed almost all the time and we aren't trying hard enough to find ways to relieve the stress. And there are effective techniques to deal with the pressure and to feel happier on the everyday basis. Here's how:

1. Have a healthy diet

Food and drinks you consume affect your mood significantly. There are certain types that you should avoid as much as you can, including coffee, alcohol and sugar, but also processed foods and salt. You need to provide your body with a lot of diverse nutrients, including good fats, proteins, fibers, minerals, as well as healthy carbs and vitamins.

When it comes to managing stress, certain vitamins and minerals are the best tools for that. Those include vitamin C and B vitamins, as well as magnesium. It's also a smart move to eat smaller, but more frequent meals when you're under a lot of stress - it will speed up your metabolism and keep your blood sugar in balance.

2. Share your problems with the right people

You won't feel better and it won't get any easier if you don't talk about your problems to people close to you. Not only you'll get rid of the burden if you share your problems, but it will also allow you to get insight into other people's perspectives. Many times, other people can see things more clearly and it's possible they will give you the right advice as they are more objective. Even if they can't give you advice, you feel still feel better and more relaxed after just talking about what's been bothering you.

This also means that people who listen to your problems should be positive people that can help you get out of the dark hole you're in. You don't need the company of people who make you feel bad or depressed. Another option is to find a stranger that will listen to you. There’s something liberating about telling your troubles and fears to a person who doesn't know anything about you and won't judge you.

3. Exercise

Exercise has been proven to decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, which is also known to slow down cognitive capabilities. In other words, you'll be able to think more positively and to focus more easily.

The first step is to make a workout plan that consists of different exercise so that you can interchange them throughout the week. Ideally, you should exercise 5 times a week, but don't stick to one type of exercise. Choose which days you will focus on strength exercises, and which you will work on your cardio.

When it comes to strength exercises, make sure you include your upper and lower body muscles, as well as your core. Regarding cardio activity, one of the easiest, cost-effective and efficient ways of being active is to ride a bike, especially if you choose to cycle to work. This is a growing trend in many countries - in Australia, for instance, the majority of people in cities like Sydney and Melbourne choose the bike over any other means of transportation. That's why Australia bike shop offers are diverse and rich - people know that cycling is a form of meditation. The repetitive moves of pedaling help you decrease stress in the same way meditation does. Even if you can't cycle to work, you should spend at least one hour cycling, enjoying nature and spending time with people close to you.

4. Set realistic goals

People are driven by wishes and goals, so it's important to set clear goals that you'll aspire to achieve. Once you identify what you want, write down your goals and identify the steps needed for them to be achieved. Just don't get carried away with the goals - in order to be successful, the goals have to be realistic, adapted to your capabilities and surroundings.

When you have a clear plan on a piece of paper, you will be even more motivated and satisfied with yourself every time you cross one goal from the list.

5. Be thankful

 

No matter how difficult your current situation is, there is always something to be grateful for. For a start, you should be thankful for the life you have, for the sun on your face every morning, and for the people you love. Be grateful for all the positive actions other people do for you. Always express your gratitude out loud - by saying "thank you", you will satisfaction that something good happened.

All in all

Stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to control you. The methods you use to boost your happiness will help you reduce the stress and enjoy your life as it is.