Is a stress-free life possible in Metro Manila? A long line of studies has associated city living with a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. “A number of factors, including elements of social environment (such as inequality and isolation) and physical stressors (such as pollution and noise) could explain how the city erodes well-being,” according to Scientific American.
Condo renting in the Philippines offers a reprieve from the toxicity of city life. Most condo communities are located near transportation networks, cutting short daily commutes. if you want to know the best condo in Manila then DMCI Homes ensures a safe and secure environment, features pockets of nature, and provides amenities for stress-relieving activities.
Explore 10 stress-busting activities you can try to boost your mental health.
Be in the present moment
Meditation is probably the simplest and most accessible stress buster. “During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Meditation not only reduces stress; it's also found to help manage symptoms of several conditions including asthma, high blood pressure and tension headaches.
Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you place your awareness in the present moment. You can do this by focusing on the flow of your breath and the sensations on your skin. You listen to your mental dialogues as a third person but just letting them pass without judgment.
Spare 30 minutes of your day for fitness
Stress in certain instances can give you a boost of energy such as during exams or meeting a work deadline. But if your stressors have become a constant companion, you're likely suffering from chronic stress which is linked to depression and anxiety.
Lower your stress levels by adopting an active lifestyle. Your busy schedule isn't an excuse. If you have time to stalk your co-workers on Instagram, you can spare at least 30 minutes of your day on the treadmill. Mayo Clinic recommends that healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of both types of exercises. To help you maintain your fitness routine, choose a condo for rent in Metro Manila that provides tenants access to a fully-equipped gym. This saves you money and time of going to a commercial gym.
Get that 7-hour uninterrupted snooze
Sadly, many city dwellers have chosen to accept that poor sleep is a necessary consequence of getting ahead in life. “The combination of a deeply misguided definition of what it means to be successful in today’s world—that it can come only through burnout and stress—along with the distractions and temptations of a 24/7 wired world, has imperiled our sleep as never before,” wrote Arianna Huffington in her bestselling book, The Sleep Revolution.
Condo leasing allows you to achieve the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night because of the shorter travel time to your office. Turn off your electronic gadgets at least an hour before bedtime to help your fall asleep easily.
Cook hot meals at home
Do you believe that cooking is an effective stress-reliever? “Cooking is a great destresser because it serves as a creative outlet,” said Debbie Mandel, author of Addicted to Stress. This task activates your senses – sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste. It's also good for your health and budget. Dining out increases your consumption of unhealthy salt, sugar and trans fatty acid.
Living in a condo for lease opens up your schedule, giving you time to prepare your meals at home. Eat a heavy breakfast of eggs, meat or fish, brown rice and an apple. You can also pack a lunch of ham sandwich and lettuce salad. For dinner, what about meatball penne with red sauce?
Buy yourself an adult coloring book
Doing art can help you unload your worries. You don't have to be a gifted painter or sculptor to do artistic activities. Coloring books for adults has been gaining popularity recently because of its positive impact on people’s mood. This activity is similar to meditation in which it allows you to switch off your mind from thoughts and focus your awareness on the present moment.
Listen to calming music
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that exposure to environmental noise has adverse effects on the human health. Noise pollution interrupts sleep, causes tiredness, impairs memory and judgment, and weakens psychomotor skills. It's tough to counter the impact of disruptive sounds if you're living in a busy neighborhood. Choose a community that imposes strict rules on noise management. You can also buy noise-cancelling headphones or a white noise machine to help your drown out outdoor noise.
Listen to calming music from your smartphone. Spotify offers playlists that suit your moods. There's Acoustic Favorites and Light & Easy for your evening chill time. You can also tune into The Piano Bar or Late Night Jazz while enjoying a glass of red wine after work.
Swim your worries away
Some people resort to alcohol and cigarettes when dealing with stress. There's a lot of healthier alternatives for you, like doing a couple of laps in the condo swimming pool. “In swimming, I had unwittingly found a way to ease my mind and bring back to a state of equilibrium,” shared journalist Joe Minihane. Like other physical activities, swimming can help you shed off your persistent worries and calm down your nerves. Consider visiting the beach at least once every quarter to renew your connection with natural water forms. For your daily meditative needs, live in a condo community with well-maintained swimming pools.
Go for a walk or read a book
Stress management is all about learning how to clear your mind during most of your waking hours. Spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle teaches the power of keeping your consciousness in the present moment. “As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease,” he wrote in his bestselling book, The Power of Now. Any activity that places your consciousness to the present moment is good for your mental health.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed with your responsibilities, take long and deep breaths. Go outside and spend some time on green spaces. You can stroll in the park, sit on a bench and watch the world around you, or read a book you love. You can deal with your task when your mind is clearer and your mood better.
Keep your home spotless
Cleaning your immediate surroundings can have therapeutic benefits. A study published by Princeton University suggests that the visual cortex can be overwhelmed by clutter. This explains why you're having a hard time focusing on a messy desk. The clutter in your home is a stressor that can affect your mood and ability to relax and sleep well. Stop the “spring cleaning” tradition, instead make it a habit to keep your home clean and tidy. Explore helpful tips to keep your condo home spotless.
Spend time with your little cousins
Admit it. Some people in your life are stressors. It can be a family member, a friend or your boss. These people may be making your life tougher, wittingly or unwittingly. The most obvious solution is to cut ties with them, but if that's not possible, you should learn how to balance your “exposure” to these toxic people. Spend time with people who make you laugh and worry less.
Little children know nothing about stress. They always live on the present moment. These young people have no pretensions and won't judge you for your decisions in your life. Why not have a pool party with your little cousins? You can also organize a movie screening with them, with yummy snacks, of course.
Contrary to popular belief, a stressful lifestyle isn't a requisite to succeed in the big city. Stress is the root of various physical, mental and emotional problems. If you don't learn how to deal with your stressors, you'll run the risk of developing serious health conditions. Life in the metropolis isn't about getting ahead of everyone else; it's achieving your full potential with a healthy body and mind.
