School, jobs, social lives, and obligations are all stressful. Some of us are more susceptible to stress than others. If you are looking for a new way to relieve some of your stress, try some of the suggestions listed in this article. Here is a list of healthy habits and activities that can help to reduce stress levels, because we all need it.
Meditation
Freeing your mind of all nagging thoughts once a day and focusing solely on your breathing is an instant stress reliever.
Yoga
Whether you join a class at a local gym or practice in the comfort of your own home, yoga promotes relaxation and eases the mind and body.
Treat yourself to a massage
Stress causes our muscles to tense up and creates physical discomfort. Loosening up your muscles removes tension from the body which can in turn remove tension from the mind.
Go for a walk or run outside
Being outside and taking in fresh air is great for our minds and bodies alike. It clears our sinuses and heads, and similarly, our minds. Some people enjoy running to reduce stress levels, but for those who do not enjoy running, walking outdoors is also great for the mind.
Write down your stressors
Write a list on a piece of paper or in a journal of all the things that are contributing to your stress levels at any particular moment. This works great when you are extremely stressed and anxious. Jotting down the thoughts and worries in your head can bring about a sense of relief when taking the thoughts out of your head and putting them somewhere else.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Lay down and tense every individual muscle in your body all at once. Hold this tension for about ten seconds. Then, release the tension from each muscle one by one, starting with your toes and feet and working upward to your shoulders and jaw. This allows you to remove physical stress from your body.
Aromatherapy
Diffusing certain essential oils are known to reduce stress levels by decreasing stress hormones that are being released throughout the body. Some of the best oils for stress and anxiety relief include lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and frankincense.
Paint
Whether your work resembles Picasso or that of a two-year-old, the stroke of a paintbrush tends to be relaxing and therapeutic. Whether you decide to paint a flower or just random streaks of color, painting promotes creativity in our minds which can also help reduce stress.
Be grateful
You've probably heard this before, but writing down a list of everything you are grateful for and reading it over is a good way to reduce stress levels because it causes you to focus on the positive aspects of your life.
Drink tea
Studies have proven that teas such as green tea, chamomile tea, and mint teas are calming and promote better sleep.
