What have you done to improve your mental state today? (Day 17 of 30 of the Happiness Challenge).

             

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Do you sometimes feel as if everything is just getting too much, and you can't handle things like you normally do? Life can be very overwhelming and we all have our off days. 

 Now at the end of the year it's even worse, cause everyone wants everything done now at the last minute!  

How do you cope with all that stress? 

                          

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How can you protect yourself from feeling overwhelmed and anxious? The answer is easy. Do what you can, but set a limit to yourself. 

What can't be done today, can be completed tomorrow! Most importantly is to make a list and to work your way through the list. Things must still get done but Rome wasn't built in one day. Don't put yourself through unnecessary stress all the time. 

We are all human and the amount of stress we have to go through daily have sent many people to hospital where they realize that they should take things slower. 

While you work through your list of things to do, take regular breaks and make sure you eat a proper meal before you start working. You will concentrate much better if your brain is fed, and you are not distracted by hunger pains. 

Don't focus for hours on the same task. Take regular breaks. You will get so much more done, if your brain had time to relax a little. Just go outside, and take a walk through the garden. Smelling the roses, might give you new insight, and once you feel better, then you can go back to complete the task. Also make sure to drink plenty of water. Water will keep you hydrated and keeps your brain active.  

Did you know?

 Since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you in a number of ways, including: ... Increasing blood flow and oxygen to your brain. Preventing and relieving headaches. Reducing stress. 

Lastly make sure that you get enough sleep. Sleep is vital for your mental health.

 Sleep is so crucial that even slight sleep deprivation or poor sleep can affect memory, judgment and mood. ... Many report that their stress increases when the length and quality of their sleep decreases. 

If you are getting too little sleep make sure to take power naps. Power naps really works. If you're at work, then go to a place where you can actually take a half an hour break without interruptions. Even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom, then do that! 

                         

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At the end of the day, you can't be happy if you feel groggy and tired all the time. Follow these guidelines and perhaps you will feel happier, healthier and less stressed all the time!