Three Tips to Help With Stress Reduction

Life can be stressful—you don’t need us to tell you that. Everything from personal issues to the overwhelming number of worldwide catastrophes that dominate the news can lead to dread and anxiety. Sometimes, it seems like there’s no way to escape the stress.

That’s why we’ve put together some top tips that you can use to help you feel happier and calmer in life. Stress shortens your lifespan, so anything you can do to reduce stress is vital. We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to stress about that, too! Read on to find out more.

1. Have You Ever Heard of an ESA?

Short for ‘emotional support animal,’ an ESA can essentially be prescribed if you suffer from various mental health problems, including anxiety. The research doesn’t lie: spending time with animals is fantastic for our mental health! They can help to calm us down, reduce our stress, and generally make us happier.

On top of that, you get constant companionship so that loneliness will be a thing of the past! To get an emotional support animal, you’ll need what is known as an ESA letter. 

Who can write an ESA letter? You’ll need to find out who qualifies and what your state regulations are to make sure you and your new animal companion are above board. 

2. Sleep Is Way More Important Than You Think

This one might seem obvious, but do you know the science of sleep and the critical role of sleep in stress reduction? 

One of the main chemicals making us feel stressed is cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for giving us that fight or flight response—you know, the one: high heart rate, huge adrenaline boost, etc.

Sleep significantly reduces our cortisol rates. Not only is this good for the short term, but it can also improve physical and mental health in the long term. Long story short: make sure you get enough sleep every night, and you’ll soon see improvements in your stress levels!

2. A Problem Shared…

We all know the phrase ‘a problem shared is a problem halved,’ but it turns out there’s evidence to back that up. Essentially, having a sound support system is hugely important in reducing stress levels and improving general happiness.

Whether it be friends, family, or even work colleagues, having a thriving social life will improve your life in more ways than one. It has even been shown to encourage positive health behaviors and reduce negative ones!

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way!

While the world can sometimes feel overwhelming, it’s essential to know you can overcome that feeling in many ways. Some methods are physical: getting enough sleep, getting in touch with nature, and exercising. Others focus more on your mental health and highlight the importance of friendship and companionship.

Ultimately, you should know this: if you’re feeling stressed and anxious, help is not too far away! Talk to your friends, have a good night’s sleep, and consider adopting a pet!