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Stress is a constant companion, and most of us, through lots of practice, have become experts at elevating our stress levels. The ability to relax is an acquired skill too. Learn ways to handle stress in a manner that minimizes it. However, the more stressed you feel, the more challenging it can be to relax.
Discover 11 powerful ways how to relax your body and mind when your stress levels are out of control:
- Stretch for a moment. Stand up and stretch your body. When you stretch, you release the stress and tension in your muscles. Start to shake one arm at a time, then your legs, and if you can, shake your whole body! It sounds crazy, but it works!
- Exercise. A 30 minutes exercise can do wonders! Think outside your box and avoid limiting yourself to your usual walk around the block. See if you can do squads, start to jump robe, or find that great Pilates routine. Exercise alone or with others. Whatever works for you!
- Listen to music. Music can be very soothing. When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, choose relaxing music instead of an upbeat song.
- Meditate. Meditation for relaxation is a simple way to relieve your tension. Focus on your breath, and think of letting go of the built-upbuilt-up stress with each exhale. It might feel like a challenge, but with practice, meditation becomes easier. Anyone can learn how to meditate. Learn to focus on your thoughts and relieve your tension. Your thoughts stay focused on your breath. Whenever you get distracted, return to these thoughts.
- Reach out to your friends & family. Find a distraction to surround yourself with friends or family. Decide if you want to share your feelings or what makes you feel how you feel. You can also choose to put the topic to the side and put your challenge to the side to relax and have a great time. Being by yourself can also be a way to relax; some of us actually prefer that. Whatever you do, make sure you have fun.
- Laugh. Laughing is one of the best medicine. Search for funny youtube videos or watch your favorite stand-up comedian show. What also helps to relax is to start laughing out loud. Try it!
- Feel gratitude. List all the things that you’re grateful for. Sometimes you need to be reminded of all that you’re grateful for, which could have slipped your (cluttered) mind.
- Take a power nap. A 15-20 power nap to reset your nervous system. Do you have more time on your hands? Sleep for 90′ as rest can be a great stress-buster. Find yourself a quiet place to relax; even a field of daisies will do:-)
- Happy thoughts. Think back to happy moments and relive that happy feeling that came with them.
- Reduce or drop the caffeine altogether. Caffeine is a stress enhancer, and combined with stress? If you feel already stressed, do you need to be even more stimulated?
- Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you. You could also cover your ears and focus on what you see. You’ll just look sillier. Block off one of your senses and focus on your environment. This is an excellent way to be more present. Giving your attention to your surroundings will stop your mind from creating more stress.
Stress is a part of daily life; find ways to cope with it, become resilient, and make your life more enjoyable.
When would be the best time to address stress? From the very first minute. Reducing stress will be a bit more challenging when it is at a peak. Most stress-reduction techniques provide a small to moderate amount of relief. Use them sooner rather than later, and prevent a meltdown before it happens.
Take care,