What is stress?
The term stress refers to a set of influences (either short-term or long-term) on our bodies that disrupt the normal functioning of the body. Positive stress (eustress) encourages us to perform better; negative stress (distress) burdens us.
The problem occurs when stress exceeds your ability to cope - when the body and mind are exposed to persistent or repeated stressors without a chance to recover. In fact, long-term exposure to stress can have negative effects on a person's health, including heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety disorders and other ailments. In order to keep yourself well and fit, the ability to manage stress is crucial.
What causes stress?
Stress arises from internal and external causes - work pressures, family problems, financial difficulties, health woes or personal conflicts, as well as our own perceptions and reactions to these situations. Our body reacts to these stimuli by activating the stress response, which leads to the release of stress hormones and preparation for "fight or flight".
If you are plagued by extreme stress and anxiety for an extended period of time, therapy is a great first step. If you only need to shake the stress off sometimes, we have some tips that will make it go like clockwork.
Relaxation as the ultimate stress fighter
Are you in a rut? The ideal step to managing stress is to stop and take a good nap. Whether that means a weekend spent on the couch with a series or book, or an active break in the form of a proper hike without your phone in hand. The main thing is to give your mind time to switch off.
If you'd like to take your relaxation to the next level, go for a massage, which will relax not only your mind, but also your stiff muscles. The neck and shoulders in particular are the most affected by nerves, so an anti-stress back, neck and head massage is an absolute must-have. Relaxation of the muscles with massage is accompanied by therapy with hot herbal sachets, which smell nice and melt even the stiffest places.
An hour or two on the massage table doesn't seem like enough? A weekend at the spa will make sure of it. Just take a good look at what's on offer - somewhere a massage awaits, somewhere a sauna, and somewhere else you can have both with a beauty pampering on top.
Move for a better mood
Relaxing on the couch is fine, but in the long run it's more worthwhile to be active - movement releases endorphins, known as the happy hormones. In addition, regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and sense of personal control. Set small goals and always feel good about achieving them. Don't make exercise just another stressor.
And that you don't know what sportyou would enjoy? See what there is to do in the area and just give it a try. Worst case scenario, it doesn't grab your heart and you move on to the gym. Just rent equipment first so you don't drown thousands in equipment for a sport you don't enjoy.
As well as the classics of running, climbing on the artificial wall and outdoors, yoga, badminton or golf, don't be afraid to try a bit of adrenaline in the form of paragliding or sport shooting. That would be to avoid getting caught up in something.
Find your balance in nature
Another thing that helps with stress is being in nature, and scientific studies agree! In fact, being in nature reduces activity in areas of the brain associated with stress and increases your sense of connection to the outside world. This leads to deep relaxation and reduced stress levels.
If you can't stretch out in the garden and listen to the rustling leaves and birds singing, try going on a nature retreat. Adventurers just need to pack a tent, a mattress and a sleeping bag, while those who love more comfort can head for glamping, which offers camping in comparatively greater luxury. In such a tent, even a bathtub is no exception! Everything is already prepared on site and you won't sit on your back.
Disconnected from the world and connected to each other, you can also be in the treetops, or in a delightful treehouse with its own sauna. There's no Wi-Fi, but there are sounds of the forest, cast-iron stones and countless hiking trails to explore.
So you know how to de-stress? Don't leave it for next time, you can turn off your phone and go for a walk in the forest right away.
