Beat stress for less
Stress at work, stress at home, stress in relationships—every part of our lives has the potential for stress. Stress can add an unnecessary strain to our lives and make us more susceptible to a number of different ailments, such as the common cold, gum disease, heart disease, and even weight gain. At times it can be hard to manage stress, especially on a budget. Jetting off to a hot secluded island for a week or two could help relieve some of the stress we encounter daily, but unfortunately this isn’t always a realistic option. Here are some suggestions to help relieve some stress, while sticking to a budget.
Talk to your employer and let him know how you are feeling. There are many employee assistance programs (EAPs) that you could benefit from participating in. Your employer can refer you to a counselor for individual sessions, or possibly recommend some stress management group sessions with some of your colleagues. EAPs, by law, are confidential and will not be added to your personnel file, according to Martin Rosen, executive vice-president and co-founder of Health Advocate, which is a health care advocacy and assistance company.
Wellness programs are offered by approximately 74 percent of employers in North America. Some of the programs could include discounts at gyms or on specialty classes such as yoga. It is worth speaking to your human resources department to see what is available and what programs you qualify for.
Exercise, among the many other benefits, is also a great way to help relieve stress, and according to a Princeton University study, also allows you to prepare for stressful situation. Gym memberships can be pricey, so try going for walks or runs outdoors, or sign up for trial memberships at different locations. You can also look for discount memberships on sites like Groupon, or wait to register until there is a membership discount.
Another free stress reliever that can be done anywhere and at any time is meditation and deep breathing. A study from the Harvard Medical School found that meditation alters the brain by increasing gray mass, which is the area connected to memory and learning. At the same time it also shrinks the areas that are linked to worry and stress.
Unplug from technology to help relieve some of your stress. It’s great having access to email on mobile devices, but that also means it is harder to get away and relax. Try putting your phone away for a little while, or not constantly checking emails and messages. The sense of urgency we feel to respond to people right away is an unnecessary and avoidable stress.
Source—cnn.com
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