Everyone gets stressed out. Whether it be work, school or family, it happens at some point. Continuous stress definitely brings your mood down, but it also can have physical consequences such as heart disease and high blood pressure. It can also help cause other issues such as obesity and diabetes. Here are 10 ways to help you de-stress when you need it most:
1. Take a nap
I am a firm believer in naps. I don't mean super long ones. Just short power naps. The Sleep Foundation says that power naps (20-30 minutes) help with alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy. It also says that planned naps can be used when you know that you are going to be up later than usual or prevent being tired earlier in the day.
2. Have some tea
Tea has many healing properties and it also helps relieve stress. Whether it be headaches from work or tension in your muscles, hot tea can help you in a lot of ways. Here is a list from A Healthy Us that has the top 10 stress relieving teas. You can find all of them in your local grocery store!
3. Listen to calm music
Music can do a lot of things, one of them being relieving stress. When you are on your way to work, you should be listening to fast, upbeat music. On your way home from work, you should listen to soothing sounds and peaceful music. When you are playing an instrument or singing, your brain lights up and releases endorphins aka the things that make us happy.
4. Go for a run or walk
ENDORPHINS!!!! For real, just throw on some running shoes and go for a run or a walk to clear your head. Plus, that can be your exercise for the day. Studies have shown that sunlight can improve someones day significantly.
5. Take a bubble bath or hot shower
Bubble baths and hot showers can be extremely relaxing. They helps relax the muscles in your body and take away the built up tension. Bubble baths aren't just for kids, they are for adults too. And who doesn't love a hot shower?
6. Color
Most people love coloring books. So much so that someone decided that it would be a great idea to come up with adult coloring books! My mom got me one for Christmas and I love it. After a long day or study session, I will pull out a coloring page and just color until I feel better. But you don't have to do this only when you are stressed out. You can do it whenever.
7. Go out to lunch with some friends
But the work down, throw on some shoes, and go out to eat with your friends. Reconnect with them and talk about their weeks and make plans to hang out in the future. This is a great way to take your mind off of your work and make some good memories.
8. Make sure you are eating properly
When you are stressed out, it can be easy to grab something quick and not necessarily healthy, and this is okay every once in a while. However, if you continue to eat bad, then you can add even more stress to your body. Be sure you are eating right and drinking lots of water so that you can stay healthy and hydrated.
9. Make time for yourself
Some people say that they shouldn't make time for themselves because that is selfish. However, if you focus on others or the things going on around you 24/7, you can lose who you are and become overwhelmed. This is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress, but it is often overlooked. Take time out of your busy schedule and read a book or watch some tv. Take your mind off of the worry and put it onto something light.
10. Stop comparing yourself to others
This is an issue that most people seem to have. It can be super easy to see someone who is handling something better than you or someone who looks a certain way and compare yourself to them, saying "Why can't I be like that?" and criticizing yourself. Give 100% and stop comparing yourself to others. You are unique and that's amazing.
