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Whether you are reading this blog post at the beginning of the year, during summer, right around the corner of a new school year, or whenever; it’s good to remind yourself of tips to make this year less stressful which will support you in developing positive mental and emotional health.

Therapist Calgary Less Stress Tip #1: Create Motion

Find something to do that creates motion in your life. It could be as complex as a daily exercise routine or just making a decision to walk up the stairs at your place of work. Motion gets our body moving and can stimulate positive chemicals in our body to reduce stress.

Therapist Calgary Less Stress Tip #2: Breathe

I know this might sound too simple and possibly offensive, however, it’s amazing how much we shallow breath when we are stressed which means we are not getting the proper amount of oxygen in our brain to help combat stress. Deep intentional breathing supports our mental well-being and can significantly reduce stress.

Therapist Calgary Less Stress Tip #3: Sleep

Getting the right amount of sleep can reduce stress levels. And yes, not getting enough sleep can increase our stress levels because we’re not fully rested and recharged. Be aware of eating too late, watching stimulating shows, or being on your phone in bed. These are all negative bedtime routine activities that have demonstrated causes of a person having less sleep causing increased stress.

Therapist Calgary Less Stress Tip #4: Diet

If you are fighting stress, although it might taste good, that bag of potato chips might actually increase stress more than the instant pleasure, in the moment, of you eating something unhealthy. I’m not saying don’t eat potato chips…they are yummy in our mouth. However, we need to be aware if we’re stress eating to look at ways to moderate our diet.

One simple old-school method is to drink a large glass of water if we’re hungry or stressed and then wait 10 to 15 minutes. If after 15 minutes you’re still hungry or stressed, then it might be a good idea to eat something healthy and then moderate what you are eating afterward…Like half a bag of chips instead of the whole bag. 

Therapist Calgary Less Stress Tip #5: Keep to Routine

Having a reliable and regular routine can support stress by organizing your life and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Some like wall calendars, others use the phone, and others just keep a simple to do list. Whatever technique you decide to use, make sure it’s working and if it’s not then try a different method of organizing.

Therapist Calgary Less Stress Tip #6: Take on a Hobby

If there’s something you enjoy doing like music, painting, building or whatever, then you need to ask yourself what’s getting in the way of me doing this hobby. Hobbies are a great way to reduce tension and stress and develop what is known as healthy stress instead of taking on the day’s toxic stress. Plus, hobbies allow satisfaction due to many of the outcomes a hobby provides that can reduce levels of stress making you feel good about yourself.

If you are finding these stress-free tips are creating more stress or just aren’t working it might be time to find a qualified counselling therapist and contact New Life Counselling at 403-690-8617 and ask to speak to Jeremiah or Lindsey. It’s time to make this year less stressful and walk in New Life.