Holistic approach to relieve stress

Stress is part of being human, one often get stressed owing to personal concerns, health issues,  job pressure and financial instability among other factors.

According to mental health professionals, stress is not bad but it is powerful and it indicates that something needs to change  and action needs to be taken. What truly matters is your holistic approach towards stress. Instead of learning ways to cope with stress one should define your own systems to build a healthy relationship with stress. This allows you to channelize your emotions effectively and remain in a state of flow even during unexpected circumstances in life.

Practice Yoga
Yoga has long been known to be a great antidote to stress. Yoga combines many popular stress-reducing techniques, including exercise and learning to control the breath, clear the mind, and relax the body. Recent global researches have found that non-pharmaceutical protocols like Yoga of Immortals are capable to reverse anxiety, depression and insomnia among 72-82% of participants within 4-6 weeks of practice.

Diet
The benefits of eating health foods extend beyond your waistline to your mental health. A healthy diet can lessen the effects of stress, build up your immune system, level your mood, and lower your blood pressure. Lots of added sugar and fat can have the opposite effect. And junk food can seem even more appealing when you’re under a lot of stress.

Write down your emotions
Our minds are constantly active, racing from one thought to another, spinning possible scenarios for the future, dwelling on incidents from the past. All this mind work is tiring and stressful, so writing it down helps to clear mind. Also writing a journal daily is an incredible way to reinforce positive belief systems and create neuropathways that help you manifest your highest potential. Visualize and write details of your immediate, mid-term and long-term goals on a daily basis with pure intention and emotion.

Express gratitude
The emotion of gratitude holds the power to heal. Practice thankfulness for the little things you experienced during the day, and all that helps you learn, grow and evolve. This will enable you to build your own strength and capabilities.

Be aware
Be conscious of your thoughts, words and actions. Even when you sit, eat or speak, bring awareness. Do at least one activity during the day with complete mindfulness. Pay attention to the present and be an active driving force in your life. Live a life of purpose and do not let life just happen to you.

There are some additional things you can learn to help you manage stress.

Keep a positive attitude.

Accept that there are events that are not under your control.

Learn to manage your time more effectively.

Say no to requests that would create excessive stress in your life.

Make time for hobbies and interests.

Don't rely on alcohol, drugs to reduce stress. Drugs and alcohol can stress your body even more.

Spend enough time with loved ones.

Seek treatment with a psychologist or other mental health professional trained in stress management.