10 Ways To De-Stress Now
My message for you today is to breathe, check in with your emotions, and release some of the tension you’re holding within.
Stress and anxiety comes from a lot of different sources. It could be some bad news from a family member, getting stuck in a traffic jam, or receiving a weird e-mail from your boss. Perhaps the anxiety you’re feeling is pandemic-related or fueled by the election nonsense that we’re seeing day in and day out.
How do you know if you’re stressed?
- Quickened heart rate
- Heavy breathing
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Increase in fidgeting
- Feelings of queasiness
- Insomnia
There is no denying that the world is crazy right now and a lot of us are internalizing these stressful situations that we most-likely don’t even have any control over. It’s normal to experience stress from time to time and it is important to note that stress effects everyone’s body a little differently.
With that being said, there are a lot of ways to lower your reactions to stress and reclaim some normalcy. Here are 10 easy ways to help you de-stress right now. Seriously. RIGHT NOW.
Get Hydrated.
Sip up, lady! There is a link to water and stress reduction. Our bodies need water to function properly. It is science. If it’s hard for you to guzzle water when you think about it, try setting a reminder on your phone for every hour on the hour to drink some fluids then. Dehydration can cause stress and stress can cause dehydration – so – drink up because you don’t need the additional stress of dehydration to add to your burden!
Step Away From The Screen.
It’s easy to turn to your phone or tablet when you’re stressed because you think some mindless scrolling should help relieve it, but guess what? It does the opposite, unfortunately. Your brain needs moments of rest and quiet to function properly. So every time you jump from your computer straight to your phone you are depriving your brain that mental break it is craving. I could go on and on about how screen time can negatively influence your mental health, like affecting your sleep cycle, emotion regulation, critical thinking, in-person interactions, and more. Next time you are stressed and reach for your phone, try relaxing for a second instead. Close your eyes, put on some music, or take a 2-minute walk. Do something other than look at a screen. Your mental health needs the break.
Put On Some Music.
Music can have a very relaxing effect on the body and help soothe the mind. Classical music and nature sounds have been proven to especially help, although any music that you find enjoyable is effective, too. The sheer act of listening to music frees your mind of stressful thoughts and induces a calm state of mind. So, start jamming out now!
Be Creative & Engage In Some Crafting.
Repetitive motions – like the fine motor skills used to draw or paint, put a puzzle together, or bake cookies – can soothe anxiety. When your mind and body is in a passive setting, your mind will begin to wonder and forget about whatever was stressing you out in the first place.
Go For A 10 Minute Walk.
Exercise is one of the easiest ways to combat stress and anxiety. It boosts endorphins. When your body is laser focused on the exercise at hand, this activity allows your mind to de-stress.
Light A Candle.
Burning a scented candle or using essential oils can help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety. This is called aromatherapy. Some calming scents include chamomile, frankincense, sandalwood, orange, and lavender.
Go See Your Best Friend or At Least Make A Date To See Him or Her.
Social support from family or friends can help you get through stressful times. Getting together with the people who make you laugh have additional benefits, too. Laughing helps you relieve tension in your body by relaxing your muscles.
Eat A Banana.
Did you know potassium can help regulate your blood pressure? Yes, it’s true! Eating a banana, which has carbohydrates, can help improve your energy and calm you down. Another benefit of eating a banana can help deter you from craving other starchy or sweet foods like candy and cookies so you’ll save calories, too. 😉
Take A Few Deep Breaths or Try Meditating.
A big part of meditating is deep breathing. When you breathe in deeply through your nose, your lungs fully expand and your heart rate slows. Your mind is forced to concentrate on what your body is doing, which anchors you to the present moment and in-turn suppresses the stress hormones you’re feeling. The extra boost of oxygen slows your nervous system so you automatically begin to calm down and feel more peaceful.
Talk To Someone.
Don’t overlook the simply strategy of talking to relieve your stress. If you want to talk to someone, reach out to me personally – or anyone else in the RWR community. We may come from different walks of life, but chances are someone in this group is going through a similar situation. Sometimes just talking about your problems out loud relieves some of the pressure that is building up inside. However, if your stress and anxiety is impacting your day-to-day life in unbearable ways, it might be time to seek some professional help from a trusted provider to ensure your emotional wellbeing is taken care of.
The bottom line is there are many ways you can reduce the stress or pressures you are feeling, but it is up to you to take steps, like the ones above, to relieve your anxieties. Mindfulness, exercise, and overall work-life balance are all important for you to live a happy life.
Xo
Lori Larsen