There is no doubt that these are trying times. As many people around the world are increasingly stressed, it is becoming difficult to find ways to relax and unwind that will also not put your physical health in danger. Your mental health is just as important. Whether you are working from home, watching your children full-time, or you are unsure about what the future holds, it is important to take a few moments for yourself and relax.
Here are some stress-relieving tips that will help center you without having to go to a spa or weekend getaway.
Remember To Breath
Pay attention to your breathing.
Breathing is imperative to live and because we do it involuntarily, it may be difficult to focus only on your breathing. It may seem like something simple, but breathing deeply does wonders to thwart away stress. Psychologist Judith Tutin, Ph.D. told WebMD, “Deep breathing counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering the blood pressure.”
Take five minutes out of your day to focus on your breathing!
Meditate
This is a tried and true practice used to relieve stress.
You may be sick of people suggesting it, but it can really help. It does not have to be a long, complicated thing that requires crystals, incense, and chanting. As long as you have a few minutes to spare and you are seated comfortably, you can meditate. While meditating, think of something positive and keep your thoughts on that.
Release Your Physical Tension
Stress not only makes itself known in your mind but also through your body.
Do yourself a favor and release that physical tension that is built up. Lay on a soft surface like the bed or a yoga mat and tense up one body part at a time. Release it slowly. You will notice the difference.
Give Yourself Tender Love And Care
Cook yourself an amazing, tasty meal.
Brush your teeth and give your face a good scrub. Take yourself on a walk around the block. Take a nice bath. Clean your sheets and tidy up your place. All of these things go into taking care of and loving yourself. Rachel W. Cole, a life coach, and retreat leader told Pysch Central, “When I need to rest and restore, I tend.” You can do the same.
Get Your Thoughts Down
Writing in a journal is one great way to relieve stress.
Writing down your thoughts takes them out of your head and into the page. You do not have to sit at your desk scribbling or typing away pages of thoughts. Do as much that will allow you to fully express yourself. If that is two sentences or two paragraphs or two pages, do whatever will calm your spirit down.
Decompress
After a long day of work, it is ok to plop down in front of the television or play your favorite video games to ease the stress. Have a glass of wine or indulge in goodies picked up at Harvest. Decompressing is imperative to reducing stress.
