Stress has become a modern-day issue affecting men’s health. Sadly, men experiencing high levels of stress have been found to turn to smoking, drinking and drug abuse to deal with their stress.
Every once in a while, you will find yourself stressed from overwork and general pressures. However, you will never be able to get rid of all your stress. Stress will always be a factor, and healthy men understand the need to control it day-to-day. If you’re wondering how to handle the stressful events in your life, in this article, we will share some great ways to go about it as a man.
Write it down. Journal!
One of the most effective ways of reducing stress is journaling. It allows you to clarify your thoughts and feelings. It is also an excellent problem-solving tool that can help you hash out a problem and come up with solutions more quickly. As a stress management tool, journaling works best when done consistently and focused on gratitude. Write down what you are thankful for, and see how that changes your mood.
Engage in creative activities
Did you know that by triggering your mind to expand and explore, you can reduce stress? Creativity pulls us away from darkness and helps us to see life differently. When you engage in creative activities, the focus and emotional expression rearranges the mental patterns of despair and stress. The process helps you to be productive and live purposefully. Some of the creative activities you can try include; daydreaming, listening to music, dancing or writing.
Try Microdosing
In today’s society, stress levels are through the roof. We live in a time where everyone seems to be stressed out all the time.
But there is a solution. A natural solution. One that people around the globe have used for thousands of years.
Have you ever heard of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms? Well, here’s what you need to know about them. In short, it is a practice that involves taking very small doses (5-10 mg) of the psychedelic drug psilocybin. Psilocybin microdosing capsules are available across North America and Europe.
This practice aims to increase your ability to focus and concentrate while improving your mood. The goal is to help with depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues.
The very small dose is why microdosing psilocybin is the key. Microdosing aims to boost your mood without having any psychedelic side effects
Play online games
Men love to watch and play games. So, what better way to beat stress than playing online games or responsible gambling? The beauty is that you can enjoy responsible gambling on a mobile or an app from the comfort of your home! Find a legitimate gambling site, master two or three gambling tricks, and have fun!
Stop worrying
We find ourselves worrying about so many things that are sometimes beyond us. Sadly, worrying doesn’t solve a problem. It instead causes stress. As a man, you might find yourself worrying about so many things, including your job, children, debts and so on. If you find yourself in this situation, begin by critically examining the cause of the worry and then working on a solution for each of the problems. Don’t focus on solving everything at once. Remember, it is the small steps that count.
Start Exercising
Exercising is one of the most effective ways of managing stress. As you know, the mind and the body work concurrently. The mind responds to the body and vice versa. Exercise shifts your focus from the negative thoughts and elevates your mood. It also boosts your energy and helps you become productive again. Exercising can be as simple as taking a morning run or going to the gym two or three times a week.
Aromatherapy
Did you know that lighting a scented candle can reduce anxiety and stress? Simply put out those old aromatic candles and inhale a calming scent.
Healthy eating
When you are stressed, your energy levels drop. This means that you are not able to think effectively or be productive. The food we consume has a lot of impact on our energy and general body functions. Our energy levels also drop because we are not careful with what we eat. So, to boost your energy levels, you might need to increase your intake of foods containing magnesium, like avocados and spinach. Practice healthy eating at all times and avoid binge eating or overeating junk, especially when stressed. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day. Lemon water is also a great energy booster.
Have a positive attitude
Your attitude shapes your behavior. How you think determines how you handle things or situations. Always try to maintain a positive attitude because it helps you to see possibilities under challenging scenarios.
Hang out with family and friends
Social support is an excellent remedy for stress. Studies show that men with the fewest connections are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. So, having strong social ties may help you get through stressful times and lower your risk of anxiety. You know that ‘boys trip’ you have been postponing? It is time to revisit it. Hang out with your buddies and have a laugh.
Get enough sleep
Did you know adults need around seven to eight hours of sleep every day? If you have been doing fewer hours, that probably explains why you feel frazzled and stressed. Depriving yourself of good sleep drains your body and lowers your energy level; impeding your creativity and productivity. In essence, sleep is an essential component of human life, and getting enough of it despite our busy schedules goes a long way in helping us stay productive. Sleep also alleviates stress by allowing our body to repair itself, which ensures that the brain to able to restore its energy supply.
Practice mindfulness
Simply put, live in the present. Sit and close your eyes, and take five slow, deep breaths. Be appreciative of everything around you.
Change your environment
Locking yourself in one room can be suffocating. The familiar signals and cues of being in the same place, especially in closed spaces, can be stressful. Perhaps you should try out some open environments that might spur a sense of freedom? It will encourage exploration and raw thinking. In fact, studies show visiting green spaces and being exposed to natural environments can reduce stress. Make it a habit of going to the park a week, or instead of working from home, you can visit a café and get work done there.
Give yourself a break
They say too much work without play makes Jack a dull boy. Giving yourself a break from your hectic lifestyle and work is vital. After completing a chunk of work, take five minutes or more to pour yourself a glass of water, chat with a friend, read a chapter of a book, or enjoy the sunset. Taking a break gives you the ability to recharge and be better prepared to face up to stress in the future.
Listen to music
Research shows when you stream live music you can help lift through your lowest moods. Natural sounds especially, such as the ebb and flow of the ocean tide, have been reported to promote relaxation. Below are some more sounds that have been effective stress reducers:
- Light jazz and classical music
- Rain wind and other nature sounds
- Native American, Celtic and Indian stringed instruments, drums and flutes
Laugh
They say laughter is medicine for the soul. Interestingly, it helps improve your immune system and mood. Catch up with a funny show or hang out with your friends who make you laugh.
Limit alcohol and caffeine
High doses of caffeine increase anxiety, causing stress. So, moderate your intake.
Wrap up
As seen, there are several ways to beat stress. However, if you are at a point where the business of your life has outpaced your ability to cope, consider seeking therapy or counseling. There is nothing wrong with seeking help. It would be best if you didn’t opt for short-term fixes. Try to seek options that will promote your overall health and wellbeing in the long run.