there is no doubt that everyone experiences stress at some point in their life and it would be a surprise to find out young adults don't experience stress. but they do, and it's not the best feeling when your heart feels like it's quite literally on thin ice and if one more thing happens, our heartstrings will break. this post can't quite cure stress, but it can give you a couple ideas on taking care of yourself and your health so you don't completely fall apart.
self-care is an essential component of maintaining good physical, emotional, and mental health. it is no doubt a process that involves taking deliberate steps to prioritize your well-being and make sure that your needs are met. practicing self-care can help you to reduce stress, improve your mood, and increase your overall sense of well-being.
1. get enough sleep: one of the most important things you can do for your health is to get enough sleep. make sure that you are getting between seven and nine hours of sleep each night to help your body recharge and prepare for the day ahead. i know for myself personally, i get up to 4-6 hours which isn't great, so you can imagine how i feel sometimes, but when possible, try to get as much sleep as you can. there are a couple of things that can help you get better sleep such as setting up a routine to help you wind down before bed, or drinking some hot tea to relax your brain and muscles. i also recommend to really get into a routine to set an alarm for earlier in the morning. one of the best things i've found is that having a pre-set time in the morning allows you to establish exactly what you want to accomplish.
2. stay active regularly: daily exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve your physical health. find a routine that works for you, whether it be yoga, running, weightlifting, or another activity, and make sure to stick to it. for me, i really enjoy going out to run whether it be in the morning or in the evening, it really just boosts my mood and allows me to stay healthy when sometimes life and circumstances are bringing me down.
3. eat healthy foods: eating a healthy, balanced diet can help to improve your physical and emotional health. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet to support your body and mind. but, it is also a good thing to mention, balance is important. don't completely stay away form the "junk" food because restricting yourself will only cause impulses and binging, which only creates a negative relationship to food and your body, speaking from personal experience here.
4. take breaks: It's essential to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and reduce stress. take a few minutes to step away from your work or other responsibilities and do something that brings you joy, like reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing a hobby. i personally love writing my own music with either the piano or guitar. i remember the other day i was feeling a little bit stressed about some circumstances and i just picked up my guitar and wrote something. it doesn't necessarily have to be good writing but something that you can channel your feelings into rather than keeping them in.
5. practice mindfulness: mindfulness is a technique that involves focusing your attention on the present moment without judgment. it can be an effective way to reduce stress and improve your mental health. try practicing mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or other mindfulness techniques to help calm your mind and reduce stress. although it might be hard at first, i recommend meditation or taking a minute to focus on your breathing. there are pretty good youtube videos that you can follow along to or just do it by yourself.
6. stay connected: it's essential to stay connected with friends and family to support your emotional health. make an effort to spend time with loved ones regularly, whether it be in-person or through phone calls, video chats, or other means of communication. that is, the ones that actually contribute to a positive mental experience when you communicate with them.
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