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How to Combat the Stresses of Modern Life

We live and work in a world that is increasingly frenetic and pressurized. Whether we work for ourselves or others, or spend our days raising children, the pressure is on to work harder for longer, and that makes modern life more stressful than it has ever been before. Stress has been shown to be a major cause of both mental and physical illness, so we need to do all we can to combat the causes of stress. That doesn't mean that we have to dramatically change our daily routines, however, as these three steps show.

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Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness

Modern stresses can leave our minds racing at a hundred miles an hour, so that we have little time to think about ourselves, who we are and what we really are. This disconnection can itself lead to further stress, but we can combat it through techniques including meditation and yoga. Both of these activities encourage a state of mindfulness, where we forget about extraneous things and worries about tomorrow and concentrate instead on the moment. These practices have been used for thousands of years in eastern cultures and are now incredibly popular across America. One of the best things about yoga and meditation is that they can be practiced within your own home, and there are plenty of videos available online that can guide you through the process.

Improving Sleep

Stress can lead to disturbed sleep patterns, which in turn can lead to physical exhaustion, illness and more stress. If you find yourself in this vicious circle, there are a number of actions that you can take. Firstly, try to create a peaceful atmosphere before heading to bed by turning off your television at least half an hour before you intend to sleep; you should also avoid looking at your mobile phone  during this time as studies have shown that the blue light emitted by them can be detrimental to a sound sleep. You should also ensure that you have a supportive mattress and pillow, and that the room is as dark as possible during night time hours.

Adult Therapy

There are many causes of stress, so we shouldn't be afraid of seeking expert help to overcome them. Adult therapy provided by a professional psychologist can be used to combat many of the difficulties experienced in adult that can have a profound effect on our psyche such as bereavement, lifestyle changes, relationship difficulties, or the ongoing effects of childhood stresses and traumas. Therapy can be tailored to suit your needs and can be delivered on a one on one basis, or as part of couple or family counseling. This compassionate therapy can help you regain your confidence and identity and show you how to manage and overcome the stresses of everyday life.

Taking positive moves to improve your sleep and becoming more mindful can be incredibly helpful in the battle against stress, but you should also consider therapy sessions if you find that stress and anxiety is having a negative effect on your life. These actions can change your life dramatically, leading to transformations that everyone around you will notice.