Originally conceived by Carole Spiers, Chair of the International Stress Management Association, National Stress Awareness Day is an annual observance that takes place on the first Wednesday of each November. This event is intended to bring awareness to identifying and managing stress in our everyday lives.
Helping someone reduce their stress is a beautiful thing — we know from firsthand experience. Our consumer-centric approach to real estate has helped thousands of people around the country take the hassle out of buying and selling. Naturally, National Stress Awareness Day is one cause that’s near and dear to our hearts.
Whether you’re selling your home or stuck in rush hour traffic, here is a little practical advice on identifying and managing your stress.
Identifying stress
Managing stress starts with identifying its causes. Likely tied to our innate ‘fight or flight’ instincts, stress manifests itself as both a physical and emotional response to conflict.
According to the International Stress Management Association, signs of stress may include …
EMOTIONAL
- Inability to concentrate
- Memory lapses
- Easily distracted
- Anxiety
- Negativity
- Less intuitive & creative
PHYSICAL
- Frequent colds/infections
- Skin irritation
- Weight loss/gain
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Panic attacks/nausea
Noticing one or more of these symptoms? You may be getting bogged down by something stressful — the next challenge is finding constructive ways to unload it.
Managing stress
Stress becomes a real problem when it piles up — left unchecked, it can wear down our immune system and make us more irritable. Fortunately, there are lots of proven and simple methods you can utilize to take the edge off. Here are a few of our favorite methods …
Go for a walk
Feeling cooped up? Get some fresh air and clear your head with a brisk walk. Not only is it an easy way to squeeze in some exercise, it’s a surefire way to put a pin in your stress.
Do a breathing exercise
One of the quickest ways to melt stress is to perform a simple breathing exercise — it only takes a minute or two, making it accessible virtually anywhere. WebMD provides some good advice to get you started, but the rule of thumb is to concentrate on your breathing and hold a few deep breaths; you may notice a difference in your mood immediately.
Listen to white noise
Auditory stimulation can quickly pull us out of a stressful mindset. Sites like YouTube are loaded with white noise videos to help you relax, allowing you to close your eyes and imagine you’re at a cozy cabin seated in front of a crackling fireplace. Grab a pair of headphones and settle in to improve your mood.
Home as a haven
We love our homes because no other place in the world is quite as capable of purging our stress. In the spirit of ISAD, here are some quick ways to further enhance your home’s natural ability to settle your nerves after a long day.
Light a candle
The right ambience can take away your stress. One of easiest ways to set a mood at home is by lighting a candle — bonus points if it’s scented. Playing to your sense of smell can lessen tension and help you feel even more relaxed.
Let the light in
Natural light goes a long way toward brightening your home and your mood. Outfit your windows with solar shades or any other light-porous style of blinds. An extra boost of vitamin D is the perfect remedy for a stressful day.
Grab something green
Plants aren’t just pretty greenery to look at — they help purify the air in your home and are scientifically shown to reduce stress levels. If you’re not the green thumb type, find something low maintenance like a succulent to add to your home.
Tidy up
The state of your home can easily affect your mood. When conditions are in total disarray, you feel stressed, knowing you have a serious cleanup job ahead of you. Do your future self a favor and tidy up — take it room by room. The more you cut down on clutter, the more peaceful your home will feel overall.
Ditch the electronics
Does your home have an area entirely devoid of electronics — a place where you can sit with your thoughts, maybe get lost in a good book? Technology is everywhere these days, but we don’t have to let it consume us at home. Carve out space in your home where you can avoid any screens and enjoy the quiet.
Make your bed
Is there anything better than getting into bed after a long day? If you had the discipline to make your bed before scrambling out the door, then no — that’s the ultimate in coziness. It might seem like a small thing but getting into the habit of making your bed each morning can benefit your psyche in all sorts of ways.
*Paint the interior
Colors like blue, gray, and green have a calming effect — why not feature one in your home? Interior painting is a quick way to make a big difference to the look and feel of your personal sanctuary, something you can knock out over the course of an afternoon or a couple days. Any room you’ll spend a lot of time in — the master bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen — is a great place to add some ‘calm’.
*Please note: any home renovation project carries inherent risks. Serious and potentially fatal injuries may occur without the proper precautions. At Offerpad, we care about your safety — never attempt a home renovation or repair project if you can’t ensure your safety beforehand.
Close the door on stress with Offerpad
Real estate doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, we help make it easy with amazing benefits like cash offers, flexible closing dates — even a free local move in many cases. Request an offer online or visit us at Offerpad.com to learn more.
Have a relaxing National Stress Awareness Day!