10 Ways To De-stress When You Really Need It
Stress can get to all of us, and too much of it can have a negative effect on both our bodies and our minds. Busy schedules, overwhelming tasks, and trying to multi-task are all things that can lead to a stressful lifestyle. Minimizing stress is vital for your overall health, so here are 10 ways to help de-stress when you really need it the most.
1. Get outside
Being in the fresh air and enjoying nature is a quick and easy way to help get your mind off of whatever is stressing you out. Even if it is only for a few minutes, try and squeeze a daily walk into your day so you can always have a few minutes to yourself. If you work in an office space that requires you to sit inside for most of the day, try taking a quick walk outside during your lunch break. If you’re a student, try and take a more scenic route to class so you can enjoy the walk a bit more.
2. Unplug
While social media presence is a great way to connect with people and stay up to date with what’s going on around you, social media is also one of the leading causes of stress in our society. Always trying to keep up with everything and everyone around you through your phone can be extremely exhausting, focusing on every like, post, or message you receive is an easy way to get sucked into the stressful digital world so do yourself a favor and unplug. Put your phone on do not disturb during the day so that you’re not distracted, or log out of your social media apps for a couple days out of the week and see how you feel when you’re not regularly checking your newsfeed. This will help get rid of the stress that you can control and will give you more time to be present with your day to day life when you’re not constantly checking your accounts.
3. Take a bath
Baths are a great way to pamper yourself after a long day. Turn the lights down, light a few candles, play some music, put a face mask on, get a bath bomb, grab a good book, and really sink into it. Allow yourself the time to decompress from your day and focus on nothing but your relaxing muscles and bubbles that surround you.
4. Play your favorite music or watch your favorite movie
Sometimes the day is just too busy for a bubble bath, and all you have is a few minutes of free time. Spend that time playing your favorite music and just turn your brain off while it plays. If you have more time on your hands, put your favorite movie on and give yourself the chance to sink into your couch, forget about your to-do list and enjoy watching a fun movie that always puts a smile on your face.
5. Exercise
Exercise is known to boost endorphins, which means you’ll probably feel better after sweating it out. Go for a jog, grab a yoga class, or even do a quick set of reps in your living room while you’re at home. Workouts are a great way to de-stress because they allow you to channel all of that energy into moving your body, so try it out!
6. Guided meditation
We’ve all heard about the benefits of meditation, and when you’re mind is going a hundred miles a minute, sometimes what you need is a meditation that will help quiet it down. Just five minutes of meditation a day can help reduce your stress levels and ease anxiety. If you’re new to the practice, try listening to guided meditations that allow you to follow along and will help get you started.
7. Journal
Journaling is a great way to de-stress that only takes a few minutes out of your day. Write about your day, what’s bothering you, what you’re looking forward to, or just put pen to paper and allow whatever flows to come through you. Try doing this every day before you go to sleep as a way to release any pent up energy you may have acquired throughout the day.
8. Be organized with your to-do list
One of the leading causes of stress is feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or feeling as though you have too much to do at once. Organizing your to-do list will help keep the tasks that are necessary separate from everything else. You can check off as you go, and feel a sense of relief after everything on your list has been completed.
9. Call a friend
Sometimes the best way to de-stress is by talking to a friend. A shoulder to lean on when you feel overwhelmed is great to have, talking to your friend about what’s been stressing you out is an excellent way to have new eyes on the situation, and they can possibly offer other ways to help that you haven’t thought of. Besides, nothing is better than a talk with a good friend to help boost your mood and get your mind off of everything else that’s going on, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
10. Eat your favorite meal
Feeling stressed? Treat yourself to your favorite food and enjoy every bite. We’re all familiar with the term “comfort food,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like! Delicious food that both comforts you and nourishes you. After a stressful day, it can be nice to veg out and enjoy your favorite meal in front of your T.V. So try enjoying something yummy as a way to de-stress.
