Whatever you’re balancing in your life, odds are you are some level of stressed. School hasn’t gotten any easier, work is kicking your ass, and you barely sleep. With no-where to turn to, here I am, to help you relieve stress in healthy and beneficial ways. Here are ten simple ways to relieve stress:
1. Listen to music.
Plain and simple; blast your favorite song and clear your head. Forget about the ten page paper that’s due tomorrow and the test you have next week and enjoy the 3-4 minutes of bliss.
2. Go to a pet store.
Animals have the power to change our emotions in ways humans cannot. Animalsmart.org states that playing with an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol. So grab your friends and find the nearest pet store.
3. Draw or color.
Drawing and coloring seems like it can stop time. In that moment you are focusing solely on the task in front of you. Whether you’re talented or not, it takes away any stressful thoughts.
4. Paint your nails.
Painting your nails requires you to focus all your energy on creating the perfect manicure or pedicure. Without even realizing, your mind will be cleared of all other thoughts.
5. Go for a drive.
Step back from your homework for 20 minutes and go on a drive with no destination. Listen to your favorite song and forget about any commitments or deadlines.
6. Scream.
Sometimes you need to physically let out the stress you’re facing. What better way than to yell and scream and not care who hears? You’ll feel better instantaneously.
7. Exercise.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America states that “exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers—and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.” Get a quick study break in and go on a run.
8. Sleep.
Nothing can clear your mind more than sleeping. Literally, you are temporarily unconscious. Take a nap and you’ll wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to face any of the challenges in front of you.
9. Online Shop.
Whether you’re buying something or not, I find it beneficial to online shop when I’m feeling stressed or anxious. It takes my mind off of the problems I’m having and lets me relax.
10. Watch a movie/tv show.
What better way to escape your own problems than to invest yourself in someone else’s? Focus on the show/movie only and devote yourself to the plot.
