Constant stress is a habit that can lead to decreased health, lowered immune system, and even chronic disease

Furthermore, constant stress can make you enjoy life a lot less, decrease positivity, and increase mental health issues.

Here are five of the easiest ways to be more chill during regular day to day life. Simple, easy, and effective!

What is stress?

Stress is the feeling of being emotionally distressed mentally due to pressure or a threat. Stress is a normal human reaction to distressing events, and the body handles it accordingly.

This may be activating the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the body responsible for preparing for danger. However, when this occurs and there is no immediate danger to flee from, stress can linger in the body, leading to chronic illness.

The three types of stress are acute stress (happening in an instance), episodic acute stress (multiple instances of stress), and chronic stress (a constant state of worry).

What Are Some Causes of Stress

Many events in life can cause stress. This can be due to big changes, feeling pressure at home or at work, future worries, or past regrets.

Overwhelming responsibility, lack of activity, or inability to control a situation also cause stress in the mind.

Symptoms of Stress

Symptoms of stress can be mental and physical. 

Mental symptoms are negative thoughts, depression, panic attacks, anxiety, irritability, or fear. 

Physical symptoms, usually due to long-term stress, are pain, aches, irregular heartbeat, headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems, insomnia, and a weakened immune system.

How does stress cause illness?

Stress leads to physical symptoms because stress causes the body to be in a state of defense. Stress releases cortisol and adrenaline in the body, chemicals that occur in response to fight or flight.

In this state, the body prioritizes movement, decreases digestion, and increases heart rate to be able to run or fight.

But if you are stressed over something you cannot run from or cannot fight, this may lead to a constant state of worry that is detrimental to the mind and body.

5 Easy Ways to Decrease Stress Daily

Here are five of the easiest ways to decrease stress! Check out all five and pick whichever ones you feel most comfortable with.

Be More Present in the Moment

Stress can come from a state of worrying about the future or thinking about the past. 

Mindfulness can be used to relax the mind, calm the body, and reset ourselves. 

Allowing yourself to be fully engaged in the present moment can help give you a sense of control and raise your overall satisfaction. 

Focus on What Your can Control

Focusing your attention on what you can control is a way to help reduce stress. There is little point in worrying about a situation you cannot change.

Instead, focus on what you can change, what you can do, and what you can control. This will help reduce feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty and fear.

Like mindfulness, grounding yourself in what you can control can help accept yourself, your circumstances, and your emotion.

Let Go of Perfection

We hold ourselves up to high standards, but sometimes this can cause stress when we don’t meet expectations.

Remember to give yourself the respect you show others, letting yourself fail, learn, and grow.

Instead of Positivity, Practice Neutrality

Positivity is not always possible. Some days, it may be harder to look at the bright side of things.

In these instances, do not force positivity. Instead, turn to neutrality.

With no negative emotion, try to allow the situation to be, and take time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions with no judgment. This neutrality can help calm the mind. 

From a negative state to a neutral state, it is easier to find positivity.

Give Thanks for Something

Being grateful is a state of mind that can have life-changing benefits.

Gratitude can drastically and permanently increase happiness, as you focus on more of the things that bring you joy, changing your state of mind.

Gratitude can even reduce stress, increase heart health and reduce pain.

The Takeaway

Stress is a normal part of life, but experiencing constant stress is incredibly damaging to the body.

Chronic stress can lead to illness, insomnia, digestive problems, inflammation, and pain. There are ways to fix this, however.

Mindfulness, gratitude, and a change in focus can help you reduce stress, greatly improving overall health.