6 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

The latest data from Statistics Canada says that one in four Canadians cite stress as the reason for leaving a job. In fact, 73 per cent of all working adults between the ages of 20 and 64 report having some stress.

StatsCan also reports that 23 per cent of people older than 15 say most days are “quite a bit” or “extremely” stressful, and that number escalates to 30 per cent among those aged 35 – 54.

If you’re feeling a little frazzled lately, utilizing these six helpful tips for stress and anxiety relief may mean the difference between feeling like you’re walking around with a cloud over you, or feeling as though everything will be all right.

Couch potato no more. You might not feel like leaping around, but moving even just a little will help you feel better. You might want to try something gentle like yoga or Tai Chi. Walking around the block may help you to clear your thoughts—fresh air can do wonders.

The importance of “me” time. There’s an old adage that says, “if you don’t take care of yourself, you will be in no shape to take care of anyone or anything else.” Taking time for yourself is not selfish, it’s selfless. If you have kids, ask someone to watch them for a while. Have a soak in a warm bath, drink a hot cup of tea or have a glass of wine, watch your favourite movie or read that book you’ve been meaning to for so long.

Lend a helping hand. Helping others will give you a wonderful, warm sense of accomplishment. Be kind to someone who is in need or who is having a rough time personally. Helping those who are in situations worse than yours will help put your problems into perspective.

Accept those things you can’t change. Sometimes you just don’t have control over stuff, and that’s okay. Just let it go and don’t worry about it. Worrying is fruitless. Simply trust that events will unfold in a way that is good for you and others, and know that it will always work out in the end.

Eat well and get enough rest. Eating food that nourishes your body rather than filling it with junk will definitely help you feel better. So, too, will getting a good night’s sleep. Make sure the room is dark enough, quiet and on the cooler side.

The social support fix. Spending time with people you love and who make you laugh will not only enrich your life, but will also help relieve stress and anxiety. Hugs and laughter will encourage you to make positive decisions for yourself, helping you stay away from things that will only worsen the situation.