Learning different ways to handle stress and other challenges in our lives can be tricky but is crucial. 

There are times in our lives that things seem to be overwhelming and it feels like no matter what we do we’re behind the eight-ball and life is stacked against us. 

The reality is that this is just a perception of what is happening around us and not absolutely true at all. Not to discredit your concerns, but the truth is that a lot of the obstacles that we face are strengthened by how we perceive them. 

Studies show that perceptions affect us in a variety of ways and that these expectations influence what information we select to adhere to.

Why does this matter? 

Well, if the challenges we are confronted with are strengthened or weakened by how we perceive them, then how we think becomes how we act. 

Saying that there are real challenges that we sometimes can’t understand why they’re occurring. For example, a chronic illness doesn’t become any less serious because we think about it differently, but how we adapt and handle those situations is important. 

Or consider a sleep disorder. The underlying cause could be from the feeling of anxiety or stress, which may also be an underlying cause of something more severe, but there are things you can do to minimize how much sleep is impacted. 

Strategies to Make a Happier, Healthier Life

So what can you do to minimize the feeling of overwhelm that we all have to deal with at times?

Making the decision to transition from standard ways of doing things to a more alternative way can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure of what you can do. 

We have some great strategies that can help you regardless of the circumstance, so read on to find the one that is right for you.

Learn Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of having a calm about you and focus on the present moment. The act of mindfulness is thinking only about the moment and ignoring fears, concerns, and excitement about any time other than the present. To achieve mindfulness it takes a routine that allows for a relaxed body and mind, and a focus on the moment. Yoga and meditation are good routines to relax the body and brain. 

Set An Exercise Routine

Exercise does a variety of positive things for the body. First, it elevates the heart rate, improves the cardiovascular system, strengthens bones and muscles, enhances the immune system, aids in digestion, and releases stress from the body. 

The main thing to keep in mind about exercise is that in order to get any real benefits from the workout is that you have to create a routine that you can continue. Too often people make the mistake of trying to do too much all at once, get injured or burned out, and lose the motivation to continue, ruining any positive progress they’ve already made. 

Choose Natural Living

Natural living is the philosophy of having harmony with nature meaning prioritizing sustainable foods, non-toxic, and organic products. A person living by this philosophy can have a sense of calm, freedom, and connection with themselves and others. 

Alternative Therapies

Choosing to live a natural living philosophy also informs the majority of our thoughts and actions. Exploring alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, use of pure cbd oil, massage, and meditation are great ways to minimize any pain or other issues and help change the way you think about the obstacles you face. Additionally, alternative therapies can help alleviate sleep disorders, mental focus, and cognitive functions. 

Eat Better

As the saying goes, “you are what you eat” should be in front of mind any time you think about what types of foods to eat. Moving away from a diet of processed foods to a more plant-based diet isn’t just healthy, it’s also a responsible way to eat sustainably. 

Too many people think of better eating as being only something the rich can afford, the reality is that eating healthier provides the body with more energy, strengthens the immune system, and is more affordable than other diets that may lack any real nutritional value. The lack of any nutrition in standard diets also leads to possible costly long-term health issues.

Making a change from the typical lifestyle that we’re surrounded by can be difficult, but choosing a natural living philosophy is one that benefits your health, makes you more responsible toward your impact on the environment, and provides you with tools and mechanisms to live a long, healthy life.