Make time for me time

Help yourself by treating yourself right

By Refined Staff

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it can have a negative impact on overall health if we don’t deal with it. While it’s impossible to get rid of stress entirely, there are many ways to relax, and reduce it. One of the most important things you can do is take time for yourself. When we run ourselves ragged, we’re not doing anyone any favours. We’re simply adding to the pile we’re not dealing with.

Here are some ideas on how you can get yourself back on the right path and feeling good.

Exercise: Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress. Physical activity helps to release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress levels. Exercise can take many forms, from going for a walk or jog to practicing yoga or tai chi. Even light exercise for 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference in stress levels. Whether you hit the local gym or just go for a walk in the park, the important part is to get moving.

Meditation: Meditation is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment and calming the mind. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase overall wellbeing. There are many different types of meditation, including mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on your breath and observing your thoughts without judgment. Taking a break to look within is a great idea to help centre yourself, and locally you can find help on how to do it.

Deep breathing: Deep breathing is a simple and effective technique that can be done anywhere, anytime. It involves taking slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. This technique helps to slow down the heart rate and calm the nervous system, reducing stress levels. It sounds too easy, but it works!

Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase stress levels and make it more difficult to manage stress. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night to help reduce stress and improve overall health. Don’t forget the importance of a good mattress and sleeping space. Consider things like a weighted blanket or linen sheets to improve your bed. Make the place you sleep a place you want to be.

Spend time in nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall wellbeing. Whether it’s going for a walk in the park or hiking in the country, being in nature can help to calm the mind and reduce stress levels. Weyburn is filled with places to enjoy while you get outside.

Try something new: There are many ways to centre yourself and alleviate stress that you may not have thought of before. Art therapy, aromatherapy, reiki, acupuncture and therapeutic touch are alternatives you might want to consider. Others also swear by things like crystals, tarot and astrology to help find a path to tranquility.

Connect with others: Social support is important for reducing stress and improving overall health. Spending time with friends and family, joining a club or group, or volunteering can all help to reduce stress levels and improve well-being. There are plenty of opportunities in the southeast to join up with others and have some fun. Stretch out of your comfort zone and make some new friends.

Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is important for reducing stress levels. This can include things like taking a relaxing bath, getting a massage, or reading a book. A visit to the local hair salon for a cut or buying a new outfit can make a world of difference. Energy is all around us, and it’s important to invite good energy in through self-care activities, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.

Laugh: They say that laughter is the best medicine. It helps to release endorphins and reduce stress levels. Watching a funny movie or spending time with friends who make you laugh can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

While we can’t eliminate stress entirely, we can do more to manage it by taking time to give ourselves a little TLC. Exercise, meditation, deep breathing, getting enough sleep, spending time in nature, connecting with others, practicing self-care, and laughing are all effective ways to relax and reduce stress levels. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can improve your overall well-being and just feel better.