The nature of modern life and the world in which we live, stress is always there rearing its ugly head. It’s easy to feel overworked and exhausted when you’re constantly dealing with an onslaught of demands and pressures from work, personal relationships, and the many objectives you’ve set for yourself. “It’s not stress that kills us, it’s our reaction to it,” as aptly put by Hans Selye.
Despite all of this, you can’t forget about your mental well-being. Seeking go-to strategies to reduce stress levels is at the top of your to-do list. Now let’s get you behind the wheel to discover some simple yet powerful methods for calming your mind and regaining equilibrium when life is spinning out of control.
- Practice deep breathing exercises
Breathing deeply is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce stress, and it’s a definite go-to method to be used whenever possible. When you’re going in full panic mode because you’ve left your wallet at home and it’s your turn to pay, it’s the perfect time to practice breathing. After all, it is one of the quickest and easiest ways to ground yourself and slow down the mental gymnastics you’re doing. By taking a deep breath through your nose, holding it for a second, and then exhaling slowly and gently, you’ll be on the fast track to tranquillity. This kind of deep breathing induces a state of calm by stimulating the body’s relaxation response, which in turn lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Once you’ve calmed down you can redirect your energy to finding a solution in a calm state of mind. - Bask in nature on a relaxing stroll
Nothing beats fresh air, and the cacophony of sounds mother nature can provide. Walking your way through nature to get on the right foot and away from stress is your first step to eliminating stress easily. Spending time in natural settings has been shown to have a profoundly calming effect on both the mind and the body. If you only have a few minutes, a stroll in a nearby park or walking along a tree-lined street is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. Taking part in activities in green areas can help clear your mind, alleviate stress, and give you a new perspective. So, get your walking shoes on, leave behind the stress, and head towards those calm vibes. - Break a sweat moving
Get moving to unlock the best you! Regular exercising benefits not only the body—but also the mind and self-esteem. Endorphins are the body’s own naturally occurring mood boosters. Endorphins, released in response to physical activity, have been shown to improve mood and lessen stress. Whether you’re busting a move at aerobics or a spinning class, your body releases a hormone called endorphins. Any type of exercise is great for your mind and body, and some easy ones to take up are jogging, dancing, or yoga. Plus, all those examples can easily be done from the comfort of your home. Say bye to those excuses and procrastinating! A regular exercise routine can help you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle resulting in a less stressed you.
- Remember to be mindful and meditate
One type of meditation that can help you find inner peace and reduce stress is mindfulness meditation. Meditation is a beautiful tool for introspection and stress relief. Pencil in time daily to sit down, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. It’s best if you set out the time to meditate straight away after waking up. Then you’re set up for the day with the right mindset. Refocusing on the here and now requires letting your mind wander without judging its contents. This essential practice will help bring your attention back to the present moment. Meditation is an age-old method that is a tried-and-true way to reduce anxiety and increase concentration.
- Listen to relaxing and soothing music
The power of music is huge. Putting on the right playlist can turn any frown right side up. It’s no secret the music around has the potential to influence our emotions and calm us down. Be your own DJ and use your favourite music streaming platform to create your very own playlist of soothing music that you enjoy listening to. Bonus points if you create an awesome playlist name and cover art to go with it. Remember if you start to feel anxious, you should stop what you’re doing, put on your headphones, and click play. Then let the music take you to a more relaxed mental space.
- Stay away from technology
It’s hard to avoid tech these days. Doing daily tasks at this point require an app. But it’s a matter of creating boundaries. These days, being permanently wired to your smartphone causes unnecessary stress. Put down your phone and relax to release all that tension. Remember to take regular breaks away from your smart phone or computer and the internet to refresh and reinvigorate your mind and body. Give your eyes a rest and spend time doing things like reading a book, working on a hobby, or hanging out with friends and family that don’t include screens. You can even set up limits on social media apps to deter and remind you that you’ve surpassed your daily limit. By taking these small steps you can be on your way to consciously becoming less stressed.
- Unleash your inner artist and creativity
Just like Madonna said, “express yourself,” plus activities encouraging imaginative play and creative thought are great for relieving stress and anxiety. That means getting creative is a must! If you’re tired of doing the same things over and over, try something new, like drawing, playing an instrument, or even just colouring. If you’re not willing to break the bank on art supplies. Try downloading adult colouring books for hours of calming digital colouring. Activities of this imaginative nature can be a welcome diversion from the stresses of daily life and a fun new way to pass the time. - Always say thank you
Putting your gratitude into action is a simple yet effective method that can help you change your perspective and feel less stressed. Create a routine where you stop what you’re doing daily to think about what you must be thankful for. It could be as simple as a stunning sunset, an unwavering friend, or a dish you adore. It has been suggested that practicing gratitude can help you find happiness by retraining your brain to focus on the bright side of things.
- Zero in on relaxation techniques
Try various methods to unwind and see which ones work best for you. Popular options include aromatherapy, hot baths, gentle yoga or stretching, smartphone apps that help you unwind, and guided visualization. Yoga and stretching are also great additions to your daily repertoire. These easy methods trigger the relaxation response, leading to improved feelings of peace and contentment.
- Prioritize yourself with self-care
Finally, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to take care of yourself. Ensure you give yourself time to tend to your physiological, psychological, and social requirements. Sleep enough hours per night, consume nutritious meals, set healthy limits with friends and family, and do things that make you happy and calm. Don’t put off caring for yourself because you don’t have time; remember that self-care is essential for your health and well-being.
