Did you know that your stress levels could be affecting your overall health and well-being, meaning that your blood pressure, blood sugar levels and even your mood are affected? So, it is essential that you take control of how you cope on a daily basis and find which tricks you can use to cope with whatever pressures that life throws your way. If you reduce your stress levels, then you will be able to live a happier and healthier life, meaning that you can life longer and even help you to look longer too. So if you are looking to keep your stress levels down, but have a strict family budget, then these tips and tricks will enable you to stay in control and feel calmer too.
Use what you have at home
It might sound obvious, but if you are sticking to a strict budget, then you can make the most of what you have at home first, to help you tackle your stress and anxiety levels. One of the best stress busters is laughter, plus the benefit of this is that it is completely free. So if you enjoy watching old movies or television series then make sure that you grab a bowl of popcorn and enjoy a night in with your family and friends. If you are looking to regain control of your life while keeping costs down, then you may want to get cleaning and scrubbing your home, as housework is the ideal way to get up and active and banish those negative thoughts while you show your home some love. You could also run yourself a hot bath or enjoy a warm shower, to help relax your tense muscles and wash away your worries. Finally, you may want to use your anxiety to create and cook up some delicious treats that your entire family will enjoy. You could use what you have in your store cupboards to create your own oatmeal cookies or make a healthy midweek meal that will put a smile on everyone’s faces. Make the most of what you have to hand at home, and you will find that you have a range of ways to manage your stress levels while remaining in budget.
Take time to relax
If you are feeling overwhelmed and finding it hard to cope, then you can try out different relaxation techniques, so that feel you are back in control. Try downloading an app such as Headspace on your cell phone, so that you can manage your stress levels while you are on the go. Plus, these programs only cost a few dollars extra to download and install. You could also do your research online and use guided meditation or relaxing music on Youtube to help you to take time out and slow down. This is ideal to help you unwind while you are preparing for bed and will help you feel completely calm and ready to enjoy a blissful nights sleep. Another way to help you to enjoy some much-needed downtime is by using essential oils and aromatherapy. Try online sites such as Highland Pharms for natural and holistic remedies. You may also want to try out meditation, by taking just a few minutes from your day to banish your negative thoughts and help you to manage your stress and anxiety levels. When you are working to reduce your stress, it is worth trying out a few different low-cost options, so that you can find out which options will work best for you and your lifestyle.
Explore other alternatives
If you feel like you have explored all conventional methods when it comes to managing your stress levels, then you may want to try some other alternative and options. If you enjoy Yoga or Pilates but find it hard to pay for classes, then look for deals on Groupon or Living Social so that you can buy a few classes without breaking the bank. You could also download programs so that you can work on your yoga practice from the comfort of your own home. If you are on a budget, then why not hold your own at home spa day?
You will only need to spend a few dollars on face masks, or you could even experiment with making your own body scrubs or home-made soaps for you to all use. Finally, if you are keen to try out other alternatives, then you may want to explore using Mindfulness, by reading online articles and watching Ted Talks or videos. This will enable you to manage your thoughts, and you will be encouraged to live more in the now and learn to take each day as it comes. Part of this process will mean that you also write down your current worries or concerns, and work your way through this list one day at a time.
If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed but do not have much cash to splash, then you can still manage your worries even if you are sticking to a strict budget. Begin by making the most of what you have at home or on your doorstep. Try taking a walk in your local park, enjoying a hot bath or even laughing and spending time with friends – as these all cost nothing. Be sure to take time to relax and make the most of online apps and programs so that you can slow down and manage your levels of anxiety. Use essential oils or aromatherapy to help you feel in control. Finally, you could explore another alternative such as writing your worries down on a list, practicing mindfulness and even having an at-home spa day. Remember that we all deal with stress in different ways, so it is worth taking your time and exploring which options work best for you. Just because you are sticking to a strict budget, it does not mean that you need to sacrifice by letting your mental health and wellness slip. So be sure to try these techniques, and you will feel calmer and more in control.