How do you react when things fall apart and don’t go your way? Do you have a melt down? Do you get mad? Do you get anxious? Do you roll with the punches? How you handle adversity will determine your level of stress.
1. Do something that you absolutely love!
If that’s riding your bike, playing music, going to a museum, or whatever, as long as it doesn’t hurt you or anyone else, then do it. Doing something that you enjoy will release a good amount of dopamine and serotonin in your brain. This is the pleasure chemical that’s released when you really enjoy something.
2. Workout!
If you feel nervous, anxious, fear, or stress then go workout. It will usually take 15-20 minutes of working out to feel better. Boxing and or lifting weights is a great way to convert the negative energy into positive energy. You must get your heart rate up, and be tired after your workout. You will not feel any change in your mood if you just have a comfortable workout. If you can do enough to change your mood, then you probably have avoided lashing out at someone.
3. Sleep!
Most people in our society tally less than 6 hours of sleep. This is not enough for our bodies, and minds to rest and rejuvenate. Not getting enough sleep on a regular basis can lead to a compromised immune system. As a side note, if you are working out and not seeing the gains your expecting, then check your sleeping patterns. We heal and create stronger muscle when we get into REM sleep.
4. Turn your devices off.
Our whole day is bombarded with news and entertainment from social media, and emails that its no wonder we cant shut off our minds when we attempt to go to sleep. I recommend turning off your devices 30min. to 1 hour before you go to bed.
5. Take a vacation.
Sometimes we need to just get away. It doesn’t have to be an expensive far away trip. It can be a staycation. Just go somewhere you can relax and not think about the tension that’s filling your life.
Extra Pro Tip for You.
Breath! Take a couple minutes to breath deep. This will help you regulate your emotions more skillfully. Take a big deep breath in through your nose and send the air to your belly. Next, hold it for 2 seconds and then release through your mouth slowly. Repeat as many times as needed- until you feel better.