Six valuable tips for managing stress

Stress is a natural part of our daily lives. It can be a motivator that helps us a finish a task or be a voice that urges us to indulge in unhealthy behaviors. Using interim stress as a positive tool can be beneficial, but harboring chronic, negative stress can be very disruptive to our overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you manage stress healthily!

Note how you feel

When you feel stressed, take a moment to write down those feelings. Over time, see if you notice any patterns. The act of journaling these feelings can help relieve stress and it can also help us to become more mindful. When we are more mindful in our daily lives, our decision making improves and we are more likely to use stress in a positive way.

Rest intentionally

When we are sleep deprived or neglect to engage in restful activities, our internal systems are not able to repair adequately. Staying well rested allows us to handle stress more effectively and efficiently. Examine your leisure time and bedtime habits to see if there are any changes you could implement to improve your routines and restfulness.

Stay active

Engaging in physical activity can help to alleviate stress. Exercising has also been shown to increase the release of the “feel-good” hormones in as little as 10 minutes per day! These effects are not confined to fitness classes inside of a gym; a brisk walk or dancing to a mini playlist of your favorite songs can provide the same benefits. For further stress reduction, explore relaxing activities that combine both movement and stress reduction techniques, such as yoga.

Monitor your nutrients

When stress levels are elevated, the desire to eat salty and sugary processed foods often increases. Unfortunately, these foods cannot provide the nourishment our bodies need to help us combat stress. Eating a balanced diet is a classic technique for managing chronic stress. When we eat nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates as part of our regular diet, our bodies are much more equipped to manage stress over the long-term.

Get creative

Engaging in a creative activity can help the mind shift focus away from stressful thoughts. Find something you enjoy, like painting, cooking, or solving puzzles; anything that gets your creative juices flowing. Set aside a window of time each week to pursue an activity that you enjoy.

Build positive relationships

Make an intentional effort to strengthen your positive relationships. Try to spend more time with people who help you feel better and reduce your stress. Minimize interactions with people that foster negative or hostile relationships as much as possible. Reach out to supportive friends and family in times when you are experiencing elevated levels of stress.

For more valuable advice on staying well throughout the pandemic, and to stay connected to others, we encourage you to join the QuadMed Well-being Facebook group or subscribe to the QuadMed YouTube channel, where you can find exercise videos and more to keep you active, healthy and engaged.

Six valuable tips for managing stress

For more valuable advice on staying well throughout the pandemic, and to stay connected to others, we encourage you to join the QuadMed Well-being Facebook group or subscribe to the QuadMed YouTube channel, where you can find exercise videos and more to keep you active, healthy and engaged.

"We'll keep you well; and if you get sick, we'll take care of that too." - Harry V. Quadracci

1.800.888.8932

"We'll keep you well;
and if you get sick,
we'll take care of that too."
- Harry V. Quadracci