Unfortunately, stress is inevitable, but it does not need to define life. That one snobby co-worker at work or that one phone call can determine how the rest of your day will be if we allow it. The more stressful situations we face, the more it becomes harder to ignore that feeling of being overwhelmed. Another unfortunate factor to add to the equation is that there is no reset button – or is there? Reset buttons materialize themselves in the form of activities. Each person finds a different way to de-stress, but these are a few popular ones.
1. Go for a walk
Going for a walk in the park is a classic de-stressing method. Sitting down for too long in one spot will make one feel sluggish, regardless of the day being bad to begin with. Taking as little as a 10 or 15-minute walk around the block will do wonders for revitalizing one’s brain. Take that extra step and shut off your phone while on the walk to avoid distractions.
2. Yoga
Yoga is a great exercise to stay in shape and calm the mind. With many online yoga classes to choose from, you can practice the dancer pose any time you want. The focus and balance of yoga offer great emotional benefits that will allow you to focus on the activity itself.
3. Meditate
There are so many meditation options to choose from; the only difficult decision is choosing what track to meditate to. Our minds are constantly filled with so many thoughts that make it hard to drown out when trying to relax. Meditating without guidance is difficult, but that’s why there are short 2-minute videos that will help guide you on the right path.
4. Music
Music feeds the soul. Sound therapy is yet another one of the many ways people can relax. In fact, there are songs which have a higher success rate of reducing anxiety than others. One, in particular, is said to reduce anxiety up to 65 percent. You won’t know until you try! Close your eyes and allow the music to let your mind wander free. It’s a much-needed break from the calls, texts, emails, and sounds that fill most of your days.
5. Read
Reading was the popular pastime for a long time before the days of constantly checking social media. If you had a favorite book as a kid or there’s a book you’ve been eyeing for awhile, this is the time to read it. Stop by your local bookstore and peruse the shelves of books until something sparks your interest. Another option is to download an audiobook while driving or in transit, to have the book read to you.
De-stressing the mind and body is not an easy task. People get caught up in their storms and forget that taking care of oneself is one of the most important things you can do. If you neglect your health and wellbeing for long, it’ll become harder to find time to de-stress. Do yourself a favor and give your mind a break ever so often. You’ll thank me for it later.