Hello all! I know I have learned over the years for many reasons that stress can have a treacherous toll on my life. It can provide different results for all of us when it comes to troubles with sleep and focus throughout the day, our mood, weight, and much more. So, many different things can help to keep our lives in balance with the reduction of stress that comes from so many of our regular daily events.

This is a topic I have researched quite often for some of my past projects, so I will share a little of that content here with you now. Some things include exercise to reduce stress, diet changes, and meditation. You may find any of these more helpful than the others, so I’ll share a little of each of them now, and may drop some more in here a little later on!

Easy Home Workouts

You can start with some easy workouts right there at home to help reduce stress. Even now, when you may work at home some days, these can fill a little of that time that would be your traditional coffee break chatting with colleagues or a walk outside to get some fresh air. I know that I take a five- or ten-minute break from my computer screen sometimes just to refresh my eyes and brain and get a fresh grasp on my words. Take a look at some of these that could even be your lunch break right there at home or a quick stress-relieving workout right after the workday is over!

So, what would be the easiest home workouts? Possibly the best ones where you can workout without buying expensive equipment or learning any fancy skills? Well, the first thing to remember is that you can integrate a workout into your regular daily schedule. And, you can use your own body weight for resistance.

First, your core. Some simple exercises that don’t require a single piece of equipment or online class include four basics: sit-ups, crunches, bicycles, and planks: 

• Sit-ups – This one is the full range from laying on your back to sitting up. Start with 20 reps and work up to 50 straight.
• Crunches – Then, these are much tighter and deeper, helping you out with 3 sets of 20.
• Bicycles – Lie on your back, feet in the air, hands behind your head. Cycle your legs quickly for one minute.
• Plank – More than your core, this is an overall body toning exercise. Hold yourself parallel to the ground on your elbows and toes for one minute. You’ll definitely feel it.

Second, you likely want to get some cardio exercise right there at home. There are many ways to do so, including many that are very easy. The key approach is to make sure that you keep moving for at least 30 minutes straight. Build up a sweat and increase your heart rate. You may do something as simple as running in place, some fast squats, burpees, or even dance. There is no reason you can’t even just dance around your living room. Just make sure that you keep going! 

And Meditation as Well to Relax

Meditation is definitely a helpful practice that can keep you relaxed and comfortable as we all try to stumble through a world of chaos at this time. Try these 12 tips as simple and straightforward as possible to start meditating and keep your practice going: 

1. Go into your meditation practice without expectations.

2. Choose a time to meditate, and stick to it.  

3. Create a designated space to meditate.  

4. Start with a couple moments to wind down and clear your mind.  

5. Start with a few deep breaths to calm the body.

6. Try not to fidget or move too much during meditation.

7. Just breathe quite simply and continuously.  

8. Be kind to yourself; some days are easier than others.  

9. Slowly reintroduce movement after meditating.

10. Acknowledge all your emotions.

11. Repeat the next day, even if you don’t feel like it.  

12. Try guided meditation apps or take a class.

Meditation isn’t always easy or even peaceful. Just like exercising, some days will feel easier than others. This could be due to the amount of sleep you had the night before, or the amount of stress you were under that week. But, it has truly amazing benefits, and you can start today, and continue for the rest of your life.

And with all this to think about, there is no reason to worry too much about your diet just yet. It can help your feeling if you eat healthier in general and improve your vitamins and nutrients. We can cover the diet inclusions to help reduce your stress levels in the near future!