There are many good, healthy ways to cope with stress—and alcohol and cigarettes are not among them. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that turning to narcotic and addictive substances can actually make stress worse, not better. For those who are tempted by drinking and smoking, then, it is important to develop new, constructive, and healthy ways of combatting stress and anxiety.
Here are just a few of the ways to put your stress into place, without doing harm to your body or mind:
- Take care of yourself: That starts with sound nutrition. Take the time to make really nutritious meals. In fact, learning to cook can be a great activity for releasing some of your stress!
- Make sure to get some exercise: Physical fitness will help burn your stress away, even if it is simply walking, jogging, yoga, or weight lifting.
- Allow yourself plenty of sleep at night: Make sure your room is dark and cool, that you turn off phones and tablets well before bedtime, and that you refrain from caffeine or alcohol late in the day.
- Take breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, just walk away for a few minutes in order to clear your head.
- Find someone you can talk to: Someone to discuss about the things that are stressing you out. Being open and honest can help take some of that stress off your plate.
Stress management is learned with practice —and it is essential for your overall health and well-being. Don’t turn to cigarettes or alcohol. Turn to a positive and healthy stress relief method, instead.