Stress is a silent killer: thought to be responsible for a multitude of health problems, it can play havoc with your well-being, both mental and physical. Without proper management, stress can affect everything from your appearance to your lifespan, not to mention leaving you miserable along the way. 

Many factors contribute to stress in our lives; everything from family trouble, to financial problems, to school or job stresses. News and current events can be a major contributor to personal stress as well. Many of the factors that create stress for us are things beyond our control; however, the way you manage stress certainly is something you can control. 

Below, we’ll offer a few tips for stress management, so that you can take control of your life and bring back your health and quality of life: 

Get Regular Exercise

Just as uncontrolled stress can damage your health, a regular exercise regimen can improve it for you. Studies have shown that taking care of your physical health can do a lot more than just help you lose weight; it can actually improve your outlook on life and make you more relaxed and happy. 

The process of exercising in itself causes your body to release endorphins, which will give you a temporary boost to your mood immediately. Don’t feel discouraged, however, if this effect doesn’t last once your workout is over; the true benefit of exercising will develop over time, as your body absorbs more oxygen and ultimately becomes better equipped to deal with the problems that life throws at you. 

Note, however, that it’s possible to overdo it when exercising; you can reap the benefits with as little as half an hour of jogging or aerobics per day. More than this is certainly possible as well, but if you don’t allow yourself a day to rest at least once a week, you may actually cause your body to produce more of the stress hormone cortisol, and ultimately do more harm than good. As with many things in life, moderation is key when exercising. 

Get More Sleep

This one can be a bit of a challenge, in part because it’s a vicious cycle: too much stress can keep you up at night, and failing to get enough sleep can create more stress. However, the value of getting enough rest cannot be understated. For most people, this means at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. 

Some people claim that they do not require as much sleep as other people do; however, it is actually extremely rare for a human being to require less than around eight hours. In most cases, people that claim they need fewer hours of sleep per night are deceiving themselves; they too will reap the benefits of getting more rest. 

As we’ve mentioned, getting enough rest at night is often easier said than done. You can help the process by keeping to a specific schedule: go to sleep at the same time every night, and get up at the same time every morning. You should not attempt to make up for lost hours by sleeping in on the weekends. Invest in a good quality mattress: a comfortable bed is well worth the price. 

You can help your mind to stop racing at night by avoiding watching television or reading in bed. These activities should be relegated to your favorite chair or sofa, but may end up keeping you awake if you do them in bed. Equally important is turning off your phone, tablet, and other devices an hour before bed. The light from the screens on these devices may interfere with your body’s ability to produce the sleep hormone melatonin. 

Practice Time Management For Stress Management

Often, people become stressed because they become overwhelmed; getting too bogged down with work, studies, or chores can leave you a frazzled mess. It’s critical to devote at least some time every day to yourself, enjoying hobbies, relaxation, or quality time with your family. Of course, getting your schedule under control can be a challenge in its own right. 

Taking back control of your schedule is largely a matter of planning ahead; create a schedule and keep to it as best you can. Do not procrastinate on major chores or important activities; instead, get them done so that you will be able to kick back and enjoy yourself later. Remember that it’s okay to delegate important tasks to other people as well; too many people fail in their stress management because they attempt to do too much on their own. It’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, or coworkers if you start to become overwhelmed. 

Eat a Healthy Diet, and Work Supplements Such as CBD Into Your Regimen

Eating healthy is another critical part of physical and mental well-being. Many people who suffer from stress do so because their bodies are struggling to deal with a constant influx of junk food and other unhealthy habits. You can do a great deal to manage stress in your life by cutting out excessive salt, sugar, and other unhealthy foods; you should also avoid alcohol, tobacco, and excessive caffeine. 

Eating healthy can be a daunting task for many, but it doesn’t have to be: just remember to “eat the rainbow.” That is, try to maintain a plant-based diet that includes foods of as many colors as possible. Leafy greens should be the bulk of what you eat, as well as colorful fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Make an effort to include healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and avocados as well. 

A healthy diet should also make use of well-researched supplements, such as CBD oil. CBD, short for cannabidiol, has long been claimed to help ameliorate the worst effects of stress. By binding to the body’s endocannabinoid systems, CBD seems to be able to reduce the body’s inflammatory response, aiding with anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness. Include a few drops of CBD oil in your routine, taking them a few hours before bed to help with stress management.