NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO HELP REDUCE YOUR STRESS

We could all use a little less stress in our lives. If you’re ready to take action to reduce your stress in 2020, we can help. Check out our list of the best resolutions you can make to better manage stress in the New Year.

1. SCHEDULE HYDROTHERAPY

Nothing beats stress like a relaxing soak in the hot tub. If you’re a spa owner, committing to spending 20 minutes a day in your tub is the easiest resolution you’ll ever make. Daily hot tub therapy has a plethora of health benefits but, perhaps the most significant, is its ability to relieve stress. Jet massage relieves muscle tension and soreness while the heat of the water floods your body with endorphins, a hormone that decreases pain and gives you feelings of wellbeing and contentment. So why not add your hot tub to your daily schedule? We know you’ll be glad you did.

2. MAKE TIME FOR EXERCISE

Exercise is a great way to lose weight and improve your health. But, did you know it can also help combat stress? The key is to choose physical activities you enjoy — because when you’re having fun, you’re more likely to stick with it — and add them to your schedule three or four times a week. Whether you choose to go to the gym, play sports or walk, getting in 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each session will help you to de-stress and improve your overall health. Make yourself accountable by setting goals or getting a friend involved.

3. FOCUS ON HEALTHY EATING

Good nutrition is essential to look and feel your best, but it is also a key element in how your body responds to stress. Rather than dieting or counting calories, focus on eating a variety of vegetables and fruits each day as well as complex carbohydrates and healthy proteins. Drink lots of water and limit desserts, salty snacks and prepared foods. When your body is properly fueled, you might be surprised at how much better you reduce your stress.

4. SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE

Sometimes spending time outside is all we need to feel rejuvenated. Being out in the fresh air has been found to lower stress hormones while sunshine stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain. This feel-good hormone is a known stress-buster, so why not make a resolution this year to get some fresh air every day? Even taking 10 minutes on days when you’re super busy can have a positive impact. Plan outings outdoors on the weekend and sneak in some much needed fresh air during the week whenever you can. You might be surprised at how good it makes you feel.

5. DE-CLUTTER YOUR LIFE

Stress can be magnified when you’re living in clutter. If your home and workspace lack organization, you may be unknowingly amplifying your stress levels. To reduce your stress in 2020, why not resolve to get organized? Throw out or donate any items you don’t want or use and find designated spaces for all of the items you’re keeping. Investing in storage bins and baskets can help immensely with this task. Once you’ve assigned spaces for everything, commit to putting items back in their designated spot after each use. This is crucial to keeping your spaces de-cluttered.

WCI POOLS & SPAS

WCI Pools & Spas wants to help you live your best and healthiest life. As one of the top providers of hot tubs and hot tub accessories in Iowa, we can help you find the perfect spa for your needs and budget. Visit our Ames or Urbandale showrooms to see the hot tubs we have in stock from the J-475™ model to the J-LXL® or J-225™. We love to hear from our customers, so feel free to message us with any questions you might have.