Most of us have so much going on in our lives, we’re constantly feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Unfortunately, chronic stress can have serious negative effects on both your physical and mental health. Check out this list of the 10 best stress relief ideas that are sure to have you feeling better in no time.
1. Breathe Deep and Let It Go
Deep breathing is one of the absolute best stress relief methods. It creates a ton of benefits including:
- Clearing the mind
- Relaxing muscle tension
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increasing blood flow
- Strengthening abdominal muscles
- Releasing body-wide toxins
It only takes a few minutes of deep berating for you to start feeling the positive effects. Perhaps the best thing about this stress-relief technique is that you can do it absolutely anywhere
2. Try Meditation or Guided Imagery
Meditation is the practice of sitting in silence and simply observing your thoughts without judgment. Although it sounds pretty simple, it can be quite challenging at first. However, since meditation is extremely effective for building a long-term resistance to stress, it’s well worth trying
If you struggle with meditation, guided imagery may be a better way to start. This practice is very similar to meditation but provides you with assistance by directing your thoughts down a path that will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
3. Get Some Exercise
Physical exercise is not only good for your body, it’s one of the best stress relief methods available. It distracts your mind from stressful situations, it lets you work out your frustrations, and provides you with a healthy dose of feel-good endorphins.
When choosing your exercise outlet, it’s important to find something you enjoy. If you try to push yourself too hard, it can actually add to your stress instead of making it better. When you’ve had a long day, try opting for a fun home workout instead of dragging yourself to a crowded gym.
4. Practice Yoga
Yoga is the perfect combination of physical movement, deep breathing, and meditation. Whether you choose to go to a class or simply practice at home, you’ll begin noticing the effects pretty quickly.
Choose an energizing practice to start the day off right or a restorative class to help you wind down after a long day. In many cases, even a 10 or 15-minute practice is enough to leave you feeling calm and euphoric.
4. Clean Up Your Diet
One of the worst things you can do is try to drown your stress with unhealthy foods. It’s tempting to reach for that pint of ice cream or bag of chips, but don’t make this mistake! Instead, stick with fruits, veggies, nuts, and healthy fish with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Organize Yourself
When you feel like you always have a million things to do, stopping long enough to get organized can make a world of difference. Getting that “to do” list off your mind and onto a piece of paper helps you focus and gives your brain the space it needs to start creating a strategy to get things done.
If you’re constantly looking for your purse, keys, shoes, and other items, it just adds unnecessary stress. Take the time to clean and organize your surroundings. The act of organizing can have a calming effect, and the results will help you cope with all the other things life throws at you.
6. Enjoy Intimate Contact
Physical contact is another excellent way to release tension and stress. Regular sex brings many physical benefits and can be used as a form of stress-relief therapy.
Unfortunately, when you’re super stressed out, the last thing you may be thinking about is some adult-time in the bedroom. When you’re feeling super tense, grab your partner and make things happen. You’ll both be glad you did.
7. Try a Relaxing Physical Massage
Massage can help relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve relaxation. It can also boost your mood and help you sleep better. Some studies have found that a single 90-minute massage can reduce cortisone levels, lower your heart rate, and reduce insulin levels.
If you can’t afford regular professional massages, there are other options. Plan a romantic massage night with your partner, consider purchasing a relaxing massage chair for your home, or practice self-massage with body rolling.
8. Harness the Power of Puppy Love
Cuddling with your dog doesn’t just feel great, it brings many benefits. This includes (but isn’t limited to):
- Lower cortisol levels
- Decreased heart rate
- Reduced risk of stroke
- Lower depression rates
- Pain reduction
- Increased insulin levels
- Lowered anxiety
If you’re experiencing extreme stress or chronic anxiety, consider looking into the emotional support dog laws in your area. In many cases, a simple letter from your therapist is enough to get you approved. There are few better ways to relieve stress than taking your furry cuddle-buddy with you everywhere you go.
9. Listen to Music
Whether you choose a calming symphony or the latest dance hit, right type of music can have immediate mood-boosting effects. There’s even whole medical field based on music therapy. Music can stimulate your brain waves, calm the autonomic nervous systems, and create a positive state of mind.
Want even more mood-bosting power? Combine the benefits of music and exercise by blasting your favorite tune and dancing your stress away.
10. Laugh it Off
When it comes to stress and anxiety, laughter really is the best medicine. Uncontrollable laughter releases endorphins, lowers cortisol levels, and can create a body-wide relaxation for up to 45 minutes after you’re done.
A strong laugh-fest is also one of the best stress relief methods because it helps create a close bond with the people you’re laughing with. Stronger relationships help us deal with stressful situations and improve our overall outlook on life.
Looking for humor in all types of situations can also reduce conflict and improve group bonding.
Want Even More of the Best Stress Relief and Lifestyle Ideas?
Hopefully, these ten ideas will help you start feeling better right away. However, you’ll be glad to know you don’t have to stop there. At Estilo Tendencies, we make it our mission to bring you our most unique and honest advice.
Check out our health blog frequently for many more tips to help you stay happy, healthy, and stress-free.
