How to Change Your Body’s Stress Levels
In our profession of accounting, finance, and tax, we are all too familiar with stress. However, stress kills. And as Black women in Corporate America, we often deal with a disproportionate amount of stress in the workplace.
I am a strong advocate for protecting the health of professional Black women, as we deserve to have fulfilling careers without sacrificing our wellness.
Over the years, I have participated in various activities to help reduce my stress levels so I could perform my best at work and make the best professional decisions. Below, I will share five ways to change your body’s stress levels, based on my own success with doing these activities.
Tip #1: Sleep, sleep, sleep.
No excuses! Our bodies need rest via a good night’s sleep. Many experts recommend adults aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. While our careers are demanding, especially during certain times of the year, we must get in the habit of prioritizing our sleep no matter what. In addition, sufficient sleep is proven to reduce cortisol, improve focus and memory, improve immune function, and more.
On top of getting enough sleep, ensure you’re getting quality sleep. To know if you’re getting the best rest, you can try to assess the following:
How do you wake up? If you feel rejuvenated when you wake up, chances are you slept well. However, if you struggle to get out of bed, you may be short on sleep due to not sleeping well.
How well do you concentrate during the day? If you have trouble staying engaged at work or focusing on a task, you may not have received enough sleep. Good sleep leads to improved focus.
How often do you take naps (or have a desire to) during the day? If you find yourself needing a nap during the day because you are extremely tired, you possibly slept poorly.
You can also try a sleep tracking app to help evaluate the quality of your sleep to ensure you’re meeting your nightly sleeping target.
Tip #2: Eat well.
You don’t have to become a vegan to eat well or spend a lot of money. In fact, ensuring you nourish your body with the following each day can lead you on the right path to building and maintaining a healthy diet.
Water
Macronutrients (such as protein)
Micronutrients (such as vitamins)
Fiber
If you can spare an hour or two to research the foods that improve your mood, balance hormones, and boost your energy levels, you can build a meal plan that will provide your body with what it needs, daily. Preparing your own whole meals at home will improve your health and your finances!
A dietitian can also help you create a diet that is most beneficial for you. Check your medical insurance plan to see if registered dietitians or even nutritionists are covered in your plan.
Tip #3: Deep breathing.
Deep breathing is an effective way to reset your nervous system and relieve stress. Doing this for 5 minutes each day can reduce stress and anxiety. My favorite aspect of deep breathing is that I can do it anywhere and at any time.
Whenever I deal with a stressful client or have a tense meeting, I like to step away from my desk and allow myself one 1 to 2 minutes of deep breathing. After these short sessions, I find my mood improved and my stress dissipates.
Tip #4: Walk it out.
Moving my body always improves my stress levels. When I am stressed, walking or engaging in other physical activities always leaves me feeling stronger and relaxed.
If you need an energy boost or to relieve stress, move your body for a few minutes. You’ll feel much better afterwards!
Final Words
If you want to learn more about changing your body’s stress levels, join the AuditHer Health Circle to connect with other women who are actively reducing their stress levels every day through meaningful activities.