Life is stressful, everyone knows it. If it wasn’t, there wouldn’t be so many self-help books and therapists would be out of a job. Regardless of that, there are ways you can de-stress the mess that is your life. Some things may not be for everyone but, they are all worth giving a try.
Self-care is an act of self-love. It can vary from person to person. It’s anything that makes you feel as if the weight of the world is being lifted from your shoulders.
Bubble baths with some scented candles are just one way to alleviate the stress you may feel. Lavender is known for reducing stress, as well as eucalyptus oil. Bath & Body Works has great stress-relieving candles, lotions, and hand sanitizers for an affordable price. Spoil yourself to a night of true relaxation.
Another great way to practice some self-care is by doing some skincare. Taking care of your skin is a fantastic way to de-stress yourself. Facemasks can be found virtually anywhere nowadays. Some of the best drugstore facemasks tend to be their sheet masks. They are a one-time use product so, while they may be great for your skin, remember to recycle them afterward. Clay masks can also be good for purification, especially if you have oily or combination skin.
Do you ever just think back to all the times you refused to take a nap as a child? Well, don’t bother reminiscing, as you can still take them now.
The best thing you can do when things are getting to be too much is to fall asleep and just disappear for a few hours. Taking a nap allows you to forget the worries you may have, even if it is just for a short period of time. Setting the mood for the perfect nap is the first step to having a perfect nap so you wake up feeling rejuvenated. Grab your favorite pillow and the fluffiest blanket you can find. Close your blinds and turn all your lights off. Do not get on your phone, lay there until you feel yourself drifting away slowly.
However, since we are all grown up now, remember to set an alarm before taking a nap so that you do not oversleep and forget to either finish your homework or make it to work on time. As tempting as it may seem to sleep through the evening without doing any actual work once you get home, it has to be done. Once you wake up from your nap, you will be well-rested and ready to complete the tasks for the day.
Classical music may not be your go-to but, it does calm you down.
Putting some relaxing music on while doing your schoolwork can help boost productivity but, it can also help relax you when you start to feel like things are beginning to pile up. Some of the best classical playlists can be found on Spotify and Apple Music. Both music streaming apps have their own classical essentials playlists, full of songs that can soothe your soul featuring some of history’s finest composers such as Bach, Beethoven, or Mozart.
Not every song that calms you has to be classical though. Different strokes for different folks. Others may prefer jazz or alternative music to calm themselves. Music is all about personal preference and what works best for you.
Relaxing tunes may not always include lyrics or be instrumental pieces. Nature can be a place of tranquility and ease for many. My personal favorite sounds to relax to are not even musical. Playing rain sounds or thunderstorms helps me clear my mind after an extremely long day. Having that white noise fill my background makes me feel very at peace. Make the listening experience more intimate by playing it through your headphones or allow it to bounce off the walls by blasting it through a speaker. Anything that allows you to escape into it.
Personally, my favorite way to de-stress myself is to binge all of my favorite things. Whether it be my favorite food or TV show, I want it to help me distract myself from all of the problems I may be facing.
Grab your favorite dinner, along with some good snacks, and watch some of your favorite movies or TV shows. Doing this will get your mind off of whatever bothers you and being surrounded by some of your most treasured things will guarantee to bring you joy.
Binging can be dangerous if it is done too much or too often. Remember that you do still have to go back to being a functioning member of society once this de-stress session is over. Do not only eat junk but also balance it out with a healthy snack like an apple and the occasional cup of water. Try not to stare at your screen for a prolonged period of time while watching a series but, if you insist, get some blue light blocking glasses to prevent your eyes from becoming sore or strained.
For some, the gym may seem like a dreaded place but, for others, it is a sacred spot where they can go to release any pent up anger or frustration.
Exercising increases dopamine and serotonin levels. These are chemicals your brain produces when you are experiencing happiness. Working out will allow you to feel like you are regaining a sense of structure and stability in your life.
There are several workouts one can do to de-stress themselves. Lifting weights or using the punching bag provides you an outlet to release any negative emotions you may be holding in. Walking on the treadmill or Stairmaster allows you to clear your mind while getting your steps in. Even playing team sports like a game of pickup basketball at the gym can distract you from any events that may have caused you distress that day.
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