7 New Year’s Resolutions to Relieve Stress

Relieve StressWith a New Year on the horizon, you’re likely thinking about all the ways you can make 2016 your best year yet. And if that plan includes being a little less stressed, we’re here to help. As you know, stress can undermine your health and your quality of life. Here are a few changes you can make in the coming year to help you relieve stress and make sure you feel your best.

Get More Sleep

If you’re like most Americans, chances are you’re not getting enough sleep. Sleep is essential to maintaining your optimal health – not to mention reducing stress. Sleep deprivation can cause stress in itself, while the repercussions of losing sleep – like lost productivity and mood swings – can exacerbate the stress you already feel. Strive to go to bed and get up at consistent times in the coming year. If you need medical help to assist you in sleeping, make this the year you seek it!

Lose Yourself in Something You Love

You know what they say about all work and no play, right? Well, that playtime can actually help you feel less stressed on a daily basis. If you don’t have a hobby or activity you’re passionate about, make 2016 the year you cultivate one. Whether you take up cooking or schedule some tennis lessons, your hobby will have positive effects on your psyche – and you’ll feel the difference in your mood and your stress levels.

Build Up a Support Team

The only thing worse than feeling stressed out all the time is feeling stressed out and alone. It’s healthy to cultivate a strong support system that will be there for you when the going gets tough – or just lend a shoulder to cry on or an ear to hear. If you need to spend more time widening your social circle, now is the perfect time to resolve to do so. After all, it takes a village, right?

Turn Up the Tunes

If you’re feeling stressed out, sometimes the answer can be as simple as a great playlist. Music has been shown to help boost energy and elevate your mood. In fact, music therapy is frequently used in hospitals and medical facilities as a way to boost patients’ health. Whether you’re listening to your favorite band while you sit in traffic, fueling your workout with some upbeat tunes or just relaxing to a soul-filled ballad, bringing more music into your life can help you relieve stress.

Simplify Your Surroundings

If you’re living in a cluttered, messy home, this could be causing you more stress than you know. In fact, clutter has been shown to amplify feelings of stress, so if you’re unhappy with the state of your home or apartment, it’s time to make the change. The New Year is the perfect time to resolve to clear out unwanted items that are taking up room and making your space feel chaotic. Start with one space at a time and gradually clear out the unnecessary items. Your mind will be much clearer when your home is!

Get Some “Me” Time

Taking a break from the world now and then is critical when you’re overwhelmed by stress. If you need to relax, take a day to unwind without the worry of a set schedule. If you’ve only got a few hours free, don’t worry! You can still relieve stress by scheduling a float session. Once you’re in the water, you’ll be able to forget the outside world and clear your head; your mind and body will be ready for the work ahead once you’ve had a well-deserved break!

Make it a Habit

Once you allow yourself some “me” time to reduce stress, make it a recurring habit. Taking the time to regularly meditate will help you deal with stress on an ongoing basis. Schedule recurring float sessions as part of your regular schedule. Your wellbeing is as important as any other commitment (and likely more so!), so make stress-reduction a new habit!

Your turn! How are you relieving stress in 2016?

 

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