We are all susceptible to suffering from moments of stress throughout life - whether it be from work pressure, family matters, finances or health concerns, this feeling is one that can ebb & flow depending on what we have going on in our lives.

Keeping stress levels low is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being as high stress has the ability to affect: immune system, digestive health, sleep, anxiety & depression, cardiovascular health and so much more. And although it can be hard to completely avoid stress, there are definitely techniques and tools we can implement in our everyday lives, to keep stress levels low.

Physical & Movement

1. Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity like pilates, walking, jogging or yoga to release endorphins and reduce stress. You don't have to spend hours in the gym or go on lengthy runs - even if you can squeeze in 20 minutes of low impact pilates, your body & mind will feel better for the movement!
2. Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system and promote relaxation.

Mindfulness & Relaxation

1. Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day focusing on your breath or a calming mantra to center your mind - if you are new to meditating we have a range of guided practises on the HUSTL.ONLINE app to help you get started.
2. Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment, observing your thoughts and feelings.

Lifestyle & Nutrition

1. Balanced & diverse meals: Avoid skipping meals and instead aim to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support your body's stress response. Keeping your caffeine and sugar intake to a minimum can also prove beneficial.
2. Sleep: Ensure you get enough restful sleep each night to help your body recover from daily stressors. It is important to aim for 7 - 9 hours per night.
3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support overall health - aim for 2 or 3L if you can! You can also improve hydration levels through herbal teas, coconut water and hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumber, strawberries and soups/broths.

Cognitive Techniques

1. Positive Thinking: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and practice gratitude to shift your mindset. This can be done simply through positive thinking or you can use a journal to note down your thoughts & feelings.
2. Time Management: Prioritise tasks and break them into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Make lists and set yourself short time blocks to give yourself structure and routine when your tasks feel overwhelming.

Self-Care

1. Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks during your day to rest and recharge - overworking and setting unachievable goals can lead to you feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated.
2. Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to activities that make you feel good, like a warm magnesium bath, infrared sauna or a full body massage.

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Love,

Alexz. 

xx