Everyone feels the pull of responsibilities and family obligations weighing them down every so often, even you. When the pressure becomes too much, or it keeps coming at you day after day, it is imperative for you to have tools available to productively deal with your stressors while living a healthy life. Read on to learn valuable tips you can use to help reduce stress and unwind.
Find Joy in the Little Things
Often, when you feel stress and frustration, you tend to rush past the beauty around you. A lovely flower, a dog frolicking with a ball in the park with its favourite person, or just the fresh breeze blowing through the air. Stop rushing, take notice and soak it all in. Look for products you enjoy from https://twowombats.com/ and then sit down on a nearby park bench to watch the people go by. Try to create a narrative in your mind about where they are rushing off to, who they are meeting, or why they are dressed so poshly. Take a few deep breaths, slow down, and enjoy the beauty of your world.
Make Exercise a Part of Your Routine
Sometimes, a good sweat session is what you need to reduce stress. Whether you prefer a heart-pounding pavement-pounding run through the city or a spin class at the local gym, finding a way to physically move your body is a proven method to relieve stress while triggering the release of feel-good endorphins. If walking is more your style, opt for good shoes and a can-do attitude to move your body along a trail or up and down some hilly paths. The point is to move your body for a sustained period of time to feel the physical and mental benefits of exercise.
Schedule a Spa Day
One of the best ways to de-stress and unwind is to book a spa day. What could be better than a licensed professional massage therapist kneading away at your sore and tired muscles? Look for a spa package or à la carte options. Perhaps a moisturising facial and foot scrub in addition to your requisite massage will do the trick. Remember to add a mani and pedi, too. Or maybe a full day of pampering with everything included is just what you need. Consider scheduling your day of relaxation with a friend or go it alone. Do what will bring you the most enjoyment and peace so you can get the most out of your day.
Prioritize Time Alone
Being alone is a gift unto yourself. Sure, you may feel invigorated and energised after spending a fun evening with friends but being by yourself has its benefits as well. When you take time for yourself, you are taking pressure off of performing or appearing for others. Make it a priority to be alone at least once per week and daily if you can fit it into your busy schedule. The amount of time is up to your discretion. What matters is that the moments alone become yours. Perhaps you retreat to your bedroom and close the door. The noise and chaos of a house full of beloved family members is within reach, but you get to move away from it for a while and relax. Read a book, take a nap, or slip into a warm bubble bath. Be sure to let everyone else know that you are not to be interrupted and will come out at a specified time so they do not need to keep asking.
Practice Yoga and Meditation
If you have tried yoga before, you already understand how it can help you calm your mind and body. If you are new to this whole-body endeavour, it is time to pull out a beach towel or yoga mat. Quiet everything around you, put your phone on silent or silence unnecessary notifications, and begin. Yoga is a meditative activity on its own. As you move into different stretches or positions, you maintain quiet and focus on your breathing while paying attention to how your body moves and feels in the moment. This exercise in movement and breathing lets you put everything else out of your mind and concentrate on being where you are without worrying about anything else.
Watch this video for a guided yoga session to reduce stress and anxiety and stretch your body.
Learn How To Leave a Situation
Sometimes, the best way to de-stress is to leave a stressful situation. If you encounter a combative family member at a holiday gathering, for example, do yourself a favour and walk away. Politely excuse yourself, if appropriate, and go somewhere else. Getting away from a person who exudes toxicity and causes you undue stress, especially when it is not warranted, is a proactive way to care for your mental health. Always remember that you are not a proverbial punching bag. You are an adult with agency, and you do not need to be present to witness another person’s bad behaviour. Just walk away. You will feel better for doing so.
Never Underestimate the Value of Therapy
Therapy is a wonderful way to help reduce stress in your life. It is a cathartic endeavour that takes work on your part. First, remove any stigma you believe is still associated with seeking help. Second, contact a professional therapist or mental health professional to schedule an appointment. Use your therapy sessions as an opportunity to talk through any stressors you are experiencing in your personal or professional life. Work through past trauma or unhappy experiences that have weaved their way into your life. Use your therapy sessions as a trusted space to gain new insight and perspective into your attitudes and actions while learning new skills to live a healthy life.
When life begins to overwhelm you, take a step back from the stress. Enjoy the little things around you and relax. Take a moment to sit in nature and appreciate the sun setting over the hills or skyline. Your life will still be there when you are ready to return more relaxed and grounded.
