Welcome back friends! Those of you who know me on a personal level know that a huge crutch of mine is my constantly high level of stress. Here are a few things I have done, and have seen others do to relieve stress! As activity increases I hope these techniques can help to calm you down in times of stress.
1. Deep breathing
Taking a few deep breaths can really help to increase the flow of oxygen to your brain, and then help you to think more logically and clearly.
2. Sleep: Take a nap or go to bed early
3. Exercise
Take a break from what you are doing, and go for a quick run or bike ride. If you don't have time for that, do a few jumping jacks to get you r blood flowing again.
4. Scream into a pillow
Just do it! I know it seems childish and immature, but when you are stressed, it can help!
5. Have some alone time
Take some time to be away from other people who make you stressed or give you anxiety. Just do something for you.
6. Ask for a big hug
7. Yoga
Whether it is a full program or class, or even just a few moves, yoga is meant to relax and calm your body and mind.
8. Color a Coloring Book
Lately there has been a new trend of adult coloring books specifically for adults. Feel free to pick one of these up, or use a children's one, or even just doodling should help to destress you.
9. Knit a scarf
Or a hat, or mittens. Knitting is just something mindless which you can do with your hands.
10. Listen to music
There is music for any mood you are in, or activity you are doing. When you are stressed out, music can be a quick and easy way to make you feel better.
11. Go for a drive
12. Smile
Force yourself to smile. This can be by looking up jokes on line, or looking at old pictures in your phone. But, by smiling, you make your brain happier, and a happier brain is not a stressed brain.
13. Laugh
Similar to smiling, laughing also gives you a happy brain. You can even ask some friends for assistance when trying to laugh.
14. Have a snack
Trust me, food always helps you feel better. If the snack is a piece of fruit, natural sugars can give additional boost to morale.
15. Wash your hands
This may sound funny, but having water run over your hands, and just being more clean can really make you feel less stressed.
16. Take a hot bath or shower
17. Have a spa night
Just like taking a hot shower or bath, a spa night or day can help you relax even more. Maybe try a face mask, or massage to really relax.
18. Take a break from technology
Technology alone can be one of the most stressful things in your life. Social media alone can cause stress of friendships, world issues, and even more. Taking a break from all of this drama can really give your brain a much needed break.
19. Only focus on one thing at a time
Instead of listing or thinking about everything you have to do, try just focusing on one thing at a time!
20. Start a journal or video diary
21. Think positive
Having a negative attitude will not help anybody, especially yourself. By only changing this little way you think, your stress level will decrease immensely.
22. Tell your body to relax (mentally and verbally)
It may seem weird and unhealthy to talk to yourself, but there is no one your body will be a more obedient listener to.
23. Call a friend or loved one
Not only will they be happy to hear from you, but by calling a friend, you can talk your problems out, and have someone to listen and give advice.
24. Eat healthy for a day
By taking care of your body better, this will also cause it to relax and run more smoothly, thus relieving stress.
25. Immerse yourself in nature
Take some time outside. This could be in a garden in your yard, sitting on the back porch, going for a hike, or even going for a boat ride. It is amazing how good nature is at making our problems seem unimportant.
26. Have a cup of tea (not coffee)
Tea is a beverage with some caffeine�, but nowhere near as much as coffee. It is perfect to have in the morning to wake up, or at night sitting by the fire.
27. Buy some beautiful flowers
28. Go to a place of worship (if you are religious)
For religious people, their place of worship can be a safe place from the outside world, somewhere they can truly look inward and reflect on themselves.
29. Pop in a piece of gum
By giving yourself something to focus on like chewing gum, can take it off of other things. This is like a replacement for tapping your foot or chewing your fingernails.
30. Take some time to play with your pet
Somehow, pets have a way to sense when you are stressed or really need a friend and can be extra caring and patient at those times.
31. Do a craft project to take your mind off stuff
Doing a craft, like a coloring book is something to distract and calm your mind. This is also an opportunity to add decor to your home.
32. Clean your house/room/office
Cleaning up your surroundings can be really beneficial to reducing your stress levels. The simple acts of wiping down surfaces and folding clothes could make you feel much better.
33. Try saying “no”
One of the reasons you could be stressed is because you have too much on your plate. By saying no to additional things can help decrease the stressors in your life.
34. Look at the big picture
Try not to focus on all of the problems you have right now. Think about if this will matter in five or ten years. Will it really matter then?
35. Read a book
This may seem old fashioned, but books have a way of taking you to another world where everything is okay!
36. Break something (not yourself, or something important...something more like a stick)
One of my favorite scenes in "The Princess Diaries" is when Mia is stressed out, so her mom takes her to throw paintball relieve her stress. Another case of breaking things to relieve stress is as in "Pretty Little Liars" when Hannah's mom takes her to break plates to take her anger out. Again, keep it controlled and safe please.
37. Be Happy!
