This basic crash course on stress management is what every millennial woman needs in 2020

Ahhh… stress! It’s an inevitable part and parcel of our daily lives. After all, multitasking high-pressure jobs and bustling personal lives can induce stress and anxiety. In fact, blessed are those millennials who somehow manage to live stress-free lives. 

But before you get more stressed thinking you how you can beat stress, let us give you these simple mantras that will help you take on the stress monster by the horns and come out on top:

1. Make exercise your bae–pronto!
Did you know that people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety? This is because exercise lowers stress hormones like cortisol in the body and releases endorphins that act as natural painkillers and improve mood.

Exercise also helps improve sleep quality, which is otherwise affected by stress and anxiety.

So, early morning walks, running, dancing, or even cycling can help you tame these negative emotions and lead a happy life.

2. Take a break from your beloved coffee
This one is a bummer for all you coffee lovers out there, who NEED their cup of Joe when they’re stressed. But science has got our back on this one.

A study conducted by researchers at the Faculty of Biosciences of PUCRS in Brazil links high doses of caffeine to anxiety, amongst other things. So, limit your consumption to two cups–and if that urge for caffeine still takes over, make green tea your trusted friend.

3. Rely on your friends and family
Social support from friends and family can go a long way in helping you get through stressful times. It not only stops you from hankering too much on the negatives in life, but also offers a sense of belonging and self-worth.

In fact, a University of California, Los Angeles study found that for women, spending time with their closed ones helps release oxytocin, a natural stress reliever.

Also, read: Understanding depression: What you need to know about an afflicted loved one

4. Yoga se hi hoga!
You might have heard your parents telling you to take deep breaths when you’re stressed. Well, there actually is science behind this advice. Deep breathing, an important tenet of yoga, primarily joins the body and mind and heightens awareness. It can also enhance mood and can be as effective as antidepressants, finds a study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research. So the next time you feel stressed out at work, just take a step back and allow your mind to relax by taking deep breaths. through yoga to help you through.

5. Cuddle up with your partner
Spending some intimate moments with your partner could actually help reduce stress. Researchers from the University of Zurich in Switzerland found that physical intimacy helps produce oxytocin in the body, which significantly increases positive communication behaviour and reduces stress.

Sex can also help relieve stress by releasing endorphins and other hormones that boost mood. A study published in the journal Biological Psychology also found that sexual activity prevents spikes in blood pressure during stressful events.

6. Adopt a pet
Yes! The next time your family cribs about getting a dog or cat home, tell them having a pet may actually help reduce stress and improve your mood–a fact scientists agree to as well.

7. Trust music to uplift your mood
Listening to your favourite tunes can go a long way when it comes to stress reduction. Various studies have found that music not only has a relaxing effect on the mind and body, but it also has beneficial effects on physiological functions.

Music can be a power stress management tool that slows down the pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones.

The next time you feel anxious, take a deep breath and follow the aforementioned methods towards a healthy and less stressful living.