No matter how strong you are, life has a tendency to throw unpredictability your way. As such, anyone can succumb to anxiety, sometimes with no warning whatsoever. Now, since everyone has their own problems to deal with and no one deals with things in the same way, it stands to reason that no one would use the same arsenal of tactics to reduce their stress levels. However, through my discussions with others and the research I've done myself, I have compiled a list of seven ways to greatly reduce anxiety and stress in your every day life.
1. Exercise
It might sound cliché, but going for a run or doing any kind of physical activity releases endorphins and greatly reduces stress. If you ever find yourself becoming too overwhelmed with the world, going out for a few minutes and jogging or looking up a quick workout online can work wonders on your frazzled mind.
2. A Soothing Bath
Nothing calms me down more than a nice warm bubble bath, complete with essential oils and a nice smelling candle. If baths aren't your thing, a shower can be just as effective. Many retailers sell different brands of stress relief body wash or bath salts at very reasonable prices. When looking for something that works for you, you should always strive for whatever makes you feel the most relaxed. Then, each time you use it, you will recall how soothed you were last time, and you will instantly be transported back to that sensation of serenity.
3. Aromatherapy
This past year, several people recommended aromatherapy to me and at first, I didn't think it sounded like something I would be into. But when my mom got me an oil diffuser for my birthday and I got a starter set of essential oils, I realized how effective they can be. My personal favorites include lavender, peppermint, and chamomile, but there are an immense array of different scents that you can use, all of them effective. It's also fun to mix-and-match the oils to make a batch of new scents. When I get stressed out, I immediately go for a cup of tea and the soothing aroma of lavender, but everyone has their own tastes.
4. Nature
There's nothing quite like going outside for a little while when it feels like you're trapped in a claustrophobic bubble of worry. The fresh smell of the wind, or even the soothing sounds of a thunderstorm, can be greatly therapeutic in resolving whatever qualms are plaguing your daily life. For there is nothing that we can do to truly replicate the feeling of relaxation you get when you hear birdsong or rustling branches that come naturally from the world around us.
5. Music
I might be biased, due to my incredible adoration of music, but sometimes the melodies just speak to you, and if they don't help you to unravel what exactly is bothering you, the least it can do is distract and calm you. I play the piano, so when I need to chill out, tinkering on the keys is my go-to, but if you don't play an instrument, all you need is a pair of headphones and a good playlist. Force yourself to find a comfortable place to sit down, and listen to music for about 15 minutes. Try to avoid loud rock 'n roll or harsh rap, and go for something a little bit more peaceful.
6. Yoga
Sometimes, even just finding the perfect stance is the key to unlocking relaxation. In fact, laying on the floor with your back to the ground, your arms stretched out like wings and your legs pressed vertically against the wall has been proven to be a very calming position, just to close your eyes and breathe for a few minutes. The point of yoga is to clear your mind and find inner peace, so this is a good tip for those who tend to over-think.
7. Take Time for You
I find that a lot of people put far too much pressure on themselves, which is what results in a lot of the stress that I hear about. It is important to keep in mind that you cannot help other people until you have truly helped yourself, and that is the trick of relaxing. You must make yourself a priority if you want to be effective in aiding those around you. So do something for you every once in a while. Read a book, listen to music, follow any of the above tips, just really make sure that it's something you don't have to do, but want to do. That way you will feel like you're treating yourself and not only will you be better at helping others, but you will also have more of a desire to do so. You will find that your overall quality of life has improved greatly once you take some time to work on you.
I'm sure there are countless tips that you can follow and online research can be really helpful if you know what to look for, but I hope that this simple list is a good start for you to find a happier, more relaxed life. So take a deep breath and get ready to face your day, because once you start relaxing, the world opens up in ways you could not imagine.
