All stressed up with nowhere to go.  Stress is a part of life. When we encounter stress, our body produces stress hormones that trigger a fight or flight response. This helps us respond quickly to dangerous situations or it can help us push through fear or pain. However, too much stress can cause negative effects, leaving us overwhelmed or unable to cope. Over time, this can affect our physical and mental health. If you feel you have too much on your plate, think about where you can make changes. Are you taking on too much? Could you hand over some things to someone else? Can you slow your pace ? You may need to reorganize your life so you’re not trying to do everything at once. You can also create every day habits to reduce stress. Here are five stress-busting habits...

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    Get Some Rest

    Yes, this is obvious, but most of us don't get nearly enough. Research recommends that adults aged 25-65 get at least seven hours of sleep per night. But according to a recent study, more than one third of Americans get less than six hours of sleep per night. If you want to reduce your stress levels, ensure you’re getting a good nights sleep.

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    Exercise Daily

    Exercise is another excellent way to reduce stress. The stress hormone called cortisol is reduced when you exercise. The workout routine does not have to be vigorous. Going on 4-5 short walks a week will reduce stress tremendously.

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    Meditate

    Meditation is another great way to reduce stress. When we’re stressed out, our breathing tends to be shallow and quick. By practicing meditation, we can slow down our breathing and achieve a more relaxed state of mind.

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    Get Organized

    Clutter is our worst enemy. Something as small as a dirty kitchen can create unwanted stress. When everything in the house is neat and clean, it's easy to feel at ease which will reduce stress. Next time you're feeling stressed, take a look at the place you call home.

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    Eat Clean

    A diet filled with processed foods not only creates inflammation which stresses the body internally but it also puts our hormone levels all out of whack. Foods like fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help improve your mood and lower your stress levels.

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