7 Ways to De-Stress Yourself | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

7 Ways to De-Stress Yourself

Here's how to improve your mental and emotional health

18
7 Ways to De-Stress Yourself
Odyssey

When you're stressed, you have this hormone called cortisol flowing through your systems, causing mental and emotional aches. It may cause your mind to overreact to situations and can physically harm your body through your reaction to stress. Not to mention that stress can make other conditions--such as insomnia and asthma--worse.

To keep your stress in check, here are 7 ways to deal with your stress.

1. Go for a Walk

Walking can help you clear your mind and boost endorphin, which reduce stress hormones. In fact, if you walk near green areas, it can put your body in a state of meditation thanks to "involuntary attention," which allows for reflection and observation of nature. In addition, you can appreciate the beautiful scenery.

2. Dog Therapy!

Who could resist this face? 5 seconds with this guy will cheer you right up and make you forget what was pressuring you in the first place.

3. Breathing Exercises

Rhythmic breathing plays an important role in reducing tension as it help you relax, and feel more grounded.

4. Stay Away from the Screen

Studies have shown that constant screen-time can increase stress in both women and men; it is advisable that you take breaks from using the computer. Use this time to take a break from the world.

5. Put on Soothing Music

Listening to music slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure. It releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter, to your brain.

6. Meditate

During meditation, your body will actually release the tension and stress. Try to find stillness at least 20 minutes every day.

7. Exercise

When you're active, your body releases mood-boosting chemicals called endorphin, which dissolves stress. In addition, exercise can lower blood pressure and strength your muscles.


Most importantly, listen to yourself; know your limits. Your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

1067329
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

977924
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

The Importance Of Being A Good Person

An open letter to the good-hearted people.

1399872
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments