Stress can sometimes feel like an ever-present shadow in our lives. Recent studies show that 79% of adults feel stressed at least one day a month, so learning how to relieve stress could be beneficial for most people.
For years, I thought that it was something I would always have to endure, a bit like bad weather on Monday mornings. But then I started to notice that some people seem to know how to relieve stress – they glide through life with ease and an air of calm, as if the usual pressures of life were a foreign concept!
A good friend of mine was one of those people. He was always relaxed, no matter what life threw at him he was able to handle it. For him, any problem or difficulty seemed like water off a duck’s back. I was inspired to understand his secret and to learn how to relieve stress in my own life.
Here are the ten top habits that I’ve observed that people who know how to relieve stress tend to have.
1. Time Management
Stress-free individuals often have an exceptional ability to manage their time effectively. They don’t leave tasks until the last minute and they avoid the frantic rush that is associated with tight deadlines. Instead, they plan their days thoroughly, allowing themselves time to do each task and some “float” for any unexpected events. Having a meticulous approach to organisation not only reduces stress but also frees up your time for leisure and relaxation, so there is a two-fold benefit.
2. Regular Exercise
Whether it’s a daily run, yoga, or a gym session, regular physical activity is a must for the stress-free person. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, and helps to reduce cortisol levels, which are associated with stress. As well as the occasional run, I have incorporated a daily walk in my local area into my routine, and the calming effect it has is really noticeable.
3. Healthy Eating for a Calm Mind
Maintaining a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can be challenging – people who are highly stressed are more likely to turn to comfort food during tough times. Eating well not only nourishes your body but also positively impacts mood.
There seems to be little reliable evidence that eating in a particular way can actually reduce stress, despite the various claims and assertions found in articles promoting certain foods or supplements, but I have found that by trying to make conscious choices about what I eat, my emotional and physical well-being has improved hugely.
4. Good Quality Sleep
Sleep really is an elixir for the mind and body and having a (more or less!) consistent sleep schedule has transformed my ability to cope with stress – everything seems so much more difficult when you are tired! People who know how to relieve stress typically aim for the recommended 7-9 hours per night which is the amount we’re mostly familiar with but, in fact, a recent joint British / Chinese study found the ideal is 7 hours for people aged 38 to 73. By getting enough rest, you will feel rejuvenated which will make you better equipped to tackle the challenges that come your way.
5. Inner Peace
It probably will not come as a surprise that practicing mindfulness or meditation seems to be a key part of the stress-resistant individual’s routine. I have personally experienced the benefits of meditation in managing stress levels, and it has become a very useful tool – check out this post on Meditation for Beginners from Leo Babauta at zenhabits.com if you want some tips on where to start. These practices keep you grounded and focussed, reduce anxiety, and enhance your ability to handle stress.
6. Effective Communication Skills
Another noticeable trait is exceptional communication skills. Expressing thoughts and emotions openly and assertively avoids misunderstandings that can lead to unnecessary stress. Learning to communicate clearly and directly (most of the time!) has reduced my stress levels and has improved my relationships.
7. Setting Boundaries
Stress-resistant individuals are adept at setting boundaries in their personal and professional lives. They understand that saying “no” is sometimes necessary to prevent burnout. People who know how to relieve stress have strategies for defining clear limits, and expectations, for how they want to be treated by others and how they interact with the world.
For more on this topic, read my piece Setting Boundaries to Find Peace – 5 Easy Tips for some useful ideas about how to avoid feeling overwhelmed and allocating time and energy more wisely.
8. Problem-Solving Skills
I am still working on this one, because it doesn’t always come naturally to me. It is true that those who know how to relieve stress tend to focus on solutions, rather than problems. They approach challenges with a positive mindset which helps to reduce the emotional burden of stress. They know that adopting a solution-oriented approach can turn stressful situations into opportunities for personal growth.
9. Positive Social Connections
Maintaining healthy relationships and seeking support from friends and family when needed is key. By nurturing meaningful connections and being open to asking for help, I have built a strong emotional safety net to fall back on during difficult times.
10. Cultivating a Growth Mindset and Resilience
I think the most profound habit of people who know how to relieve stress, is their ability to cultivate a growth mindset, because this is all pervasive and so if you can develop this, then everything else comes easily. They view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles – this mindset shift enables them to bounce back from setbacks with resilience. I continue to try to embrace this philosophy!
Final thoughts
Obviously, stress will always be a part of our lives to some degree, but we can learn valuable lessons about how to relieve stress from those who seem to manage it well. Incorporating these ten habits into my life (or at least trying them out) has improved my relationship with stress – adopting just one or two could make a difference for you – I hope you find them useful.
Resources
Some other resources related to stress management that I recommend are listed here:
7 Stress Management Ideas You’ll Feel Confident About on Very Well Health
Bouncing back from stress on Harvard Health
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this piece about how to relieve stress. Feel free to pin and share this article, and come back soon to discover the latest posts!