Deadlines at work, demands of raising a family, managing relationships; so many stressors in life. When stress builds up, how you handle it can make a big difference in the world. If you handle it badly, you can develop harsh side effects, including anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and a wide range of other health conditions. If you handle stress properly, you can reduce these negative effects and live a much happier life.

So, how to manage stress effectively? Here are five ways to deal with stress and make 2018 your best year yet!

Exercise

Several studies have proven that exercise is not only good for your physical health; it also works wonders for your mental health. Regular exercise can help you deal with stress in a positive way. Why? – Because when you exercise, your brain releases endorphins, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. And believe it or not, exercise is really quite relaxing. This lets you focus on something apart from your stress. Whether you choose to engage in intense exercise or take a 20-minute walk each day, exercise is an awesome way to manage stress.

Take Cortisol Blocking Supplements

When you experience lots of stress, your body releases cortisol, the stress hormone. While cortisol can be helpful, as it helps you understand how to react to stressful situations, when levels of this hormone get too high, your physical and mental health can be seriously affected. Studies have shown that high cortisol levels increase the risk of depression, anxiety and other mental diseases. It also impacts memory, weakens the immune system, and shortens life expectancy. By taking natural cortisol inhibitor supplementYou will be more successful at dealing with stress, and you’ll see drastic improvements in your health.

Ponder

Meditation has long been hailed as the best way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. When you meditate, your body and mind relax and you are better able to focus. Meditation increases alertness, which can help you see things in a new light so you are better able to deal with whatever is causing you stress. For example, meditation can help you release emotions that you did not realize were stressing you out. Meditation can even help you feel more positive, inspired and happier.

Release Yourself from Stress

When you feel the strain building, allow yourself to escape. Sometimes, you just need to get away and have some alone time to calm your mind, gain a new perspective, and find ways to deal with stress. Take a walk, take a bath, lie down in a quiet room; anything you can do to remove yourself from a stressful situation will benefit your health.

Laugh

It is claimed that laughter is the best medication, and when stress comes, that’s very correct. Just like when you exercise, when you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that make you feel good. Endorphins fight cortisol, the stress hormone, thereby making you feel more relaxed. Laughter can even help you stop focusing on whatever is stressing you out, and it just makes you feel good. When you are feeling too stressed, find a way to laugh. Invite friends you like to spend time with, watch funny movies, listen to comedians; anything that will make you laugh is an awesome way to reduce your stress.

If reducing stress levels is one of your goals for 2018, keep these tips in mind and you’ll see a significant difference in your health and happiness.