Stress is an inevitable fact in life, but when that stress is coupled with severe anxiety, it can be almost too much to take. A lot of our daily stresses and anxieties can be linked to our routines. People with specific routines can feel more or less stress and here are some effective routines that you can use to reduce stress and anxiety in your own life to help you get more out of living without increasing stressful situations.

Exercise Will Almost Certainly Help

Sometimes, it is necessary to shake up your usual routine to include something new. Exercise is often neglected in our daily lives. It is a common misconception that simply walking around at your job or during your daily schedule is enough to get adequate exercise. Your usual routine likely does not provide adequate exercise for what your body needs and adding in a little exercise each day will help you reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise is a natural way to release endorphins that promote that good feeling we crave. Exercise increases the human libido as well, so when you exercise, your body will crave more physical pleasures and sex is a great way to reduce and relieve stress as well, at least for a short while.

Emphasize How You Breathe

Breathing is natural but is often neglected in our daily life. Generally, it is thought that as long as you are breathing, things are ok, but breathing correctly can have a vastly positive effect on your well-being. Breathing brings oxygen into the brain and throughout the body. Normal breathing can sometimes become shallow and ill-effective but making an effort to take deeper breaths at certain times can help your mind work better. When you begin to feel stressed or that anxiety is creeping up on you, take 10 very deep breaths. It will open up your mind a little more, so you can think your way through problems better. Doing this on a daily basis will allow you to refocus attention and help relieve more anxiety and stress.

A Morning Routine That Works

My parents have been married for well over 40 years. Their lives have not been perfect by any means, but one thing they have always emphasized is getting up early and spending quality time together before heading out for their day. They start each morning at 4 am. Mom brews coffee, they sit together at the table and talk, both do their bible studies during the morning. Now 4 am might seem way too early for most people, but it is what has worked for my parents at least.

It is very important that you find what time works best for you in the morning. Some people can get up early with no problem, while others prefer to sleep as late as possible. The problem with giving yourself just enough time to get out of the house and begin your day, is that you always feel like you are rushing around throughout the day. Getting up, even 15 minutes early, sitting down and having time for yourself or your partner will start your day off right. It gives you time to focus your attention on what is to be done during your busy day while providing quality time with the one you love. It is a win win, so find a time that works for you and stick to it.

Turn Off Technology

Technology is everywhere these days. From the moment we rise in the morning, we use technology in our kitchen preparing breakfast, with our children preparing them for school, in our cars on the way to work, and even at work. When we arrive home after work, we use technology to relax and basically veg out. However, too much technology can be a bad thing and even if you think you are using your devices to relax, you are being trapped by them.

The human mind is a remarkable supercomputer that takes in information like a sponge. We absorb information throughout the day without giving our brain a break from glowing screens, pictures and videos of friends, and so much more. At night, these images can even impact our sleeping patterns bringing on even more anxiety and stress throughout the day. The key here is not to completely absolve yourself of technology, but to provide your body with a break at night at least one hour before bed. Read a book or have a conversation with your family. Turn off the devices for an hour before bed and you will find a more restful night sleep with a renewed self in the morning.

Stress and anxiety are going to happen from time to time, but reducing the amount of stress you have to endure will lead to a higher quality of life. Take control of your mornings, exercise routine, and sleep routines, and enjoy life more without foreboding stress and anxiety looming over your existence.

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