While everyone goes through some stressful times in their life, some times of hardship and trouble can seem to last for much longer than our bodies and minds are able to withstand. During situations such as this, it can be easy for your body and mind to succumb to the stress and pressure you’re feeling in ways that manifest through negative health consequences. And when you’re having health issues, your stress levels can rise even higher, creating a positive feedback loop due to all the negativity in your life.
But luckily, you don’t have to allow this to happen. There are things you can do to safeguard your health even when you’ve got large amounts of stress in your life.
To show you how this can be done, here are three ways to maintain your health during stressful times in your life.
Try To Stick To Your Routines
In some circumstances, like if you’re going through a divorce, sticking to your old habits and routines might not be possible for you. But if you’re able to keep to a routine that’s comfortable for you, you may have a better chance of maintaining your health despite the stress you’re feeling in your life.
According to Dr. Charlotte E. Grayson Mathis, a contributor to WebMD.com, keeping to a routine can help you feel like you have more control over your life, even when things may seem stressful and chaotic. And the more in control you’re able to feel of certain aspects of your life, the easier it will be for you to gain additional control over other areas as well, like your health.
Get Daily Exercise
When stress and fatigue seem to be taking over your life, one of the best things you can do to keep yourself mentally and physically strong is to get daily exercise.
Diana Rodriguez, a contributor to Everyday Health, shares that some of the best forms of exercise to participate in when you’re feeling stressed include yoga, tai chi, martial arts, and Pilates. Additionally, if there’s a physical activity that you love and helps you feel more relaxed, try to do that on a regular basis.
Make Healthy Life Choices
Along with caring for the physical health of your body and mind through exercise, you should also try not to allow your stress to entice you into making other unhealthy life choices. For example, Northern Illinois University’s Nancy Apperson shares that you should make it a point to get adequate sleep, eat healthy foods, avoid pornography, meditate, and learn to say “no” when going through very stressful times in life. All of these things will help you to focus on what’s really important and not allow your stress to get the best of you.
If you’re having a lot of stress in your life, consider using the tips mentioned above to help ensure that your health doesn’t suffer because of it.
