5 ways to combat the symptoms of stress

Stress is the common cause of many other health issues. For this reason, it’s often easy to tell when you’re stressed as your body will give you signs. Some symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. The best way to deal with these symptoms is to get to the root of the problem and find out what is causing the tension. You can then work on relaxation techniques when you need to. Here are five ways to combat the symptoms of stress.

Relieve tension with massage

It’s been shown that massage measurably reduces stress. It helps to activate the body’s own healing systems.

Massage improves circulation, which reduces certain warning signs of stress, such as high blood pressure and digestive problems. It also gives you an energy boost.

Furthermore, massage can be an effective way to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. I went massage therapy sessions when I had severe depression.

If you’ve never tried it before, massage can help you relax and improve your overall mood. You can even practice self-massage at home using tools like balls and rollers.

Practice daily meditation if you notice stress symptoms

Mindful meditation can help keep stress away when you make it a regular practice. One of the best things about meditation is that you can do it anywhere and you don’t need any equipment.

If you’ve never tried it before, you could use a guided meditation. “Guided” means that you listen to instructions on a track or video. What you hear can teach you how to clear your mind and find your inner calm.

I didn’t believe in meditation until I tried guided audio on a CD that a medical professional gave me many years ago. It included slow, steady breathing exercises and really helped me. I still think of those moments of calm and how to reach it again during tense situations.

Monitor your blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common sign of stress, so it’s advisable to keep an eye on yours. You can check your blood pressure at the local pharmacy or invest in a device to do it at home.

If you have any concerns about your blood pressure, speak to your doctor. The GP will be able to recommend the best solution for you, whether it’s medication such as losartan potassium, or a combination of stress-relieving activities.

Plenty of physical activity to fight stress symptoms

It is essential to stay active, even if stress is causing you fatigue. Keep up with your exercise routine and shake things up if you’re getting bored of it.

Try a new sport or activity and get moving to manage stress. There are plenty of fitness apps and exercise videos online to use for motivation.

Physical exercise is essential for your mental well-being as well and it’s the best way to get your confidence back. Plus, you will likely find yourself feel reinvigorated after the workout is done.

I make sure I go for walks when my back starts to feel sore from sitting to type at my computer. When I return to the computer after walking for at least 30 minutes, I feel more alive in both body and mind.

Try something new

As well as doing more physical activity, you could try out a new hobby to battle against stress symptoms. There is evidence that picking up a new hobby relieves stress because it gives you a feeling of happiness and satisfaction.

Hobbies are also a way to take a break from your busy schedule. They provide an outlet for stress.

You could try something creative like arts and crafts, or even a bigger DIY project at home. You might even start a book swap as an unexpected way to de-stress.

Learning a new skill or taking a course for professional development would also be very rewarding, and a good way to channel your stress as a teen, adult, or active senior. Find the activity that works for you.