This is truly number one on this list. In all ways. Getting a good night’s rest is crucial to our health. It doesn’t only reduce our stress and help us relax, but it helps us focus, it helps with our memory and we just feel overall, so much BETTER.
A good power nap is a GREAT way to make sure we are well-rested. They can be taken before an evening out, before the kids come home from school, or just because you’ve had a rough day. A little bit of shut-eye is a great way to relax.
Slow down and BREATHE. Take a little bit of time to relax and focus on your surroundings. Maybe skip the mess in the kitchen and just think about the things that help you relax. Think about the pleasant vacation that you took and the time you spent on the beach while there. Think about how relaxed you are while flying down a mountainside on a pair of skis. (Yes, I’m aware of how much attention you must pay, but when it’s something you love, you’re still relaxed.) Think about the quiet around you. Let the noisy world around you disappear.
Nothing feels better than a good sweat. Working out helps release endorphins, which help you feel happy. The workout itself may not be all that relaxing (at least if you’re doing it right!) but after you’ve had a chance to shower and sit back, you’ll feel more relaxed than ever just knowing that you’ve done something incredibly healthy for yourself.
Much like sleeping, this aspect is so crucial. Make sure that you are putting healthy foods into your body. Your body cannot function at its full potential when it’s full of grease, fat, and carbs. You need to fill it with healthy proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Then you’ll be able to perform at your peak!
Laughing is one of my favorite ways to relax. Find a website full of memes relating to your current situation. Find a website full of jokes you laughed at as a kid and laugh about how awful they are. Talk to an old friend you know is good at making you giggle. You never know, you might end up laughing more than you thought.
You can look up comedians on YouTube as well. I have a fond liking for Rodney Carrington.
Run the hottest water you can handle. Put some extra bubble bath into your tub. Turn out the lights. Light the candles. Crawl in and just relax. If you’d like, turn on some calming, relaxing music. Shut the door and leave the world outside for a little bit.
If you have a pool at home, throw your bathing suit on and take a relaxing dip in the water. Whether you decide to actually swim, or relax on a floaty, just take some time to feel the waves of the water. Close your eyes and think nothing but calming thoughts.
Find a spot outside and just sit in the sun. Sit in your backyard, up on the rooftop of your apartment if possible, or even just on your front steps. Just take some time and relax. Sunshine automatically boosts our mood and makes us feel a little happier, so take advantage of the free mood booster nature gives us.
If you don’t have anywhere at home to sit, you can try the park down the street. You don’t have to go far. Find a patchy spot of grass and sit on a blanket.
Pick up the book that you’ve been meaning to finish. Start a new book you’ve wanted to begin. Even if what you do is pull out a cookbook and tag the recipes that you want to try out.
Just take yourself away from the bright lights of your phone. Turn off the TV and let yourself get lost in a good book. If you’re like me, it won’t take long for you to disappear from the real world and find yourself following right along with the characters in your book.
Pull out those headphones and crank that music! Music will always boost your mood. Just try not to listen to the songs that really make you jam out. (So the playlist you listen to while cleaning the house may not be what you’re looking for!) Stick with the ones you know will help you calm down and relax. Add in some simple white noise to your playlist. Add whatever sound helps you relax.
When I get stressed out, it’s usually because my area is cluttered and chaotic. I relieve stress by clearing the area and taking a moment to calm my mind before going back to what I was trying to do before I got stressed out.
Take a moment to clear out some clutter. Get rid of the mail on the desk. Not only does it declutter your space, but it takes an item off your to-do list.
I adore looking at the stars. It is one of my favorite ways to relieve stress. I’ve often grabbed a blanket and laid it in my yard and just laid on my back and looked. One of the best places to look at the stars is in the country where there are few lights. You will have a much clearer view.
Animals become support animals for a reason. They can be calming and comforting. Many like to cuddle. (Even cats, though they’re notorious for being total a**holes.) Sometimes it’s the weight of their body against you, sometimes it’s the warmth. Sometimes it’s just knowing that something in this world loves you unconditionally that helps relieve stress.
Who doesn’t love the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a particularly difficult puzzle? I know I do! There must be a lot of people out there because they’ve created a glue to keep them together.
Get yourself a puzzle of something you love. Cats, dogs, nature, cartoons, whatever makes you happy. Sit down and take some time to relieve stress by putting it together. I know it can be frustrating at points, but the end is well worth it.
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