What to do about stress?

1. Move

What to do about stress? Move! It gives you energy and a fit body. But exercise is also good for you mentally! It is a way to relax and get out of your head.

In addition, it actively ensures that you have less of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. This makes you feel rested and relaxed; everything is out of your body and you feel fulfilled.

Especially if you feel like you don't have time to exercise because you "have so much to do," it's good to go! Go for a sport that suits you. Not much of a runner? Then do yoga, take a long walk or go for a bike ride. As long as you get moving.

2. Cut back on caffeine and sugar

Do you drink a lot of coffee? Taking in too much caffeine can make you restless and irritable. It can increase your sensitivity and thus your stress sensitivity. It stimulates the production of cortisol, the stress hormone.

In addition, if you are under a lot of stress, you may be tempted to reach for that pack of cookies in the cupboard or that bar of chocolate. But if you consume a lot of sugars, your energy level rises enormously. Unfortunately, it drops significantly afterwards. This can make you feel down. So try to avoid too much coffee and sugars.

3. Writing

Got a lot on your mind? Is there a lot on your to-do list or are you nervous about something? It can help to get out of your head at such times. Grab a pen and paper and start writing. Write down everything you still have to do, what you are afraid of, what stresses you out, what makes you happy.

It is soothing when you can write down your thoughts and feelings. And when it's on paper you can look at it from a distance. You'll see that it's going to help you unwind and reflect. Is it really as bad as you thought?

4. Essential oils

Some people like to use essential oils when they suffer a lot of stress. Essential or essential oils are 100% pure and clean oils made from plant materials such as tree bark, flower petals, seeds and fruits.

The scent of these oils can affect your mood. For example, a drop of lavender in a warm bath can provide deep relaxation. In particular, the scents of lavender, chamomile and sandalwood have a calming effect and can enhance feelings of relaxation .

5. Meditate

Wondering what to do about stress? Turn off your mail and cell phone, find a quiet place, breathe in and out and relax. Meditation can help you relax.

Do you sometimes feel tired and don't know where it comes from? Unconsciously, you hold tension in your body and that can make you feel tired. In this exercise we use tension and relaxation of your muscles.

This meditation exercise from the Meditation Moments App helps you relax when stressed. It may sound strange, but it is precisely by creating tension that you can relax more easily afterwards.

When your body is very tense, you are not always aware of it. By consciously tensing your muscles and then relaxing you really notice the difference. This meditation is also very nice to do in the evening, so that you can fall asleep relaxed immediately afterwards.