There is plenty of stress out there, ranging from obligations, deadlines, school, to pending emails, social media pressure, and similar. Focusing on our careers and relationships, we become prone to forgetting about our mental and physical wellbeing. We get so wound up in our everyday routines and schedules and thus neglect the fact that we need to take a break now and then and give our body and mind a rest. Here are some of the best and easiest ways to de-stress your mind and body.
Power nap
Too much stress and tension often results in sleep deprivation and restlessness. With all the obligations, we rarely manage to get a good amount of night’s sleep and end up feeling weak and sleepy throughout the day, which stands in the way of our productivity and mood. Allotting 15 to 30 minutes a day for a nap will recharge your batteries and help you function better and faster throughout the rest of the day.
Green tea
Green tea contains L-Theanine, a chemical proved to help relieve anger. Having one to two cups of green tea in the morning will prepare you for a long day of infinite possibilities of stress. Plus, it protects from various diseases thanks to its powerful flavonoids and antioxidants, and boosts the metabolism, which can help with weight loss.
Mood-boosting food
Your diet affects the way you feel, so besides green tea for breakfast, make sure to incorporate different mood-boosting foods such as dark chocolate, honey or products with carefully refined marijuana concentrates, which will not only appease your mind, but ease the tension in your muscles. Chewing gum, on the other hand, won’t boost your mood, but it may relieve the stress.
Hot bath
Wash away the stress. You don’t have to reserve a spa weekend or go to a retreat, simply play soothing music, soak in a warm bath and just shut down for a short while. Consider adding beneficial salts or essential oils, since such scents can additionally contribute to calming your mind.
Physical activity
Really, any form of exercise, including light stretching or taking a quick walk, has beneficial effects on your body and mind. Physical activities help the brain release feel-good chemicals and improve your mental ability to cope with stress. Yoga is broadly considered to be the best option, since it combines meditation and physical activity, but it’s very up to you do decide which workout is your best fit.
Remember to breathe
Shockingly, breathing is the most effective technique in de-stressing your mind and body. You can meditate, do yoga, or just take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing. Deep inhale and holding the breath for a short while increases the body’s oxygen level, building body’s resilience to stressful environments. A long and slow exhale, typically meditative, clears your mind and feels incredibly pleasant and relaxing.
Explore your artistic side
Write down your emotions. Listen to the songs that make you want to lie down and stare at the ceiling for hours. Completely turning off and engaging in a creative process proves to be tremendously beneficial to your psychological wellbeing. Dedicate some allotted time to your newly discovered craft hobby, and don’t worry if you’re not great at it – the purpose of this is not to create magnificent pieces of art, but to find what makes you peaceful and smiling and practice it on a daily basis.
Cuddle
Everyone needs to vent from time to time. Socializing and sharing feelings with your friends, family members or coworkers, significantly help in reducing anxiety and get rid of your heavy burden. However, furry friends may be the best option when feeling stressed out, anxious and tense. What’s a better way to leave the rough day behind than coming home to snuggle up with your pet?
Laugh
When feeling stressed out and not really in the mood for people, turn to your favorite sitcom or funny cat videos on YouTube. Laughter is a silly, yet often a successful way to beat stress, so stop trying to spare those belly muscles and laugh hysterically.
Squeeze a stress toy
Just in case of emergency, have a stress ball nearby – you don’t want to lash on your coworkers or passers-by when things go out of their way in your head. It’s an easy, funny, portable and non-violent way to relieve tension.
You can’t run away from the pressure, problems and stress, since they are inevitable in most spheres of our lives. However, you can accept this, rise above it and find the ways to minimize both the sources and the consequences of stress. Invest in your fundamental well-being by incorporating some of these relaxations techniques in your everyday life.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
