So, you’re stuck in your house after clocking out at your exhausting 9-5 job. You’re done with word documents, meetings, and the uninspiring and uncreative job you have. You’re feeling like you need to relax, but you’re Netflix binging isn’t taking the edge off like it used to. You need some new ways to de-stress.
You may not want to waste your precious downtime trying out ways to relax. That’s why we have these five stress reducers that work right away. Consider trying any of these ways to reduce stress after a long day of owrk.
1. Play the Guitar
Did you know that you can literally strum away stress? Learning how to play the guitar will boost your mood and shift your focus away from stressful situations.
There are many benefits to learning how to play an instrument, like:
- -Reduces stress and anxiety
- -Strengthens memory skills
- -Increases blood flow in the brain
So pick up that guitar that’s laid to dust in the garage — the one that mommy bought you but that you’ve never really gotten around to play — and the best online guitar lessons to start this exciting journey! It will lead to benefits that go way beyond reducing stress.
2. Listen to music
Listening to music is a brilliant way to relieve stress. Make a playlist of your favorite songs (Spotify is great for this) and sing along to your heart’s content.
3. Exercise
When you’re stressed, you might feel more like heading for a bar than the gym, but regular exercise helps us not only to relieve stress but also to be more resilient against it in the future. Choose a class you love and attend regularly for the best results.
4. Go for a walk
Going for a walk is a great way to lower your stress levels. Even just a few minutes walking through the city on your lunch break can work wonders, but what’s even better is to find some green space and get out into nature for a while.
5. Reduce caffeine intake
Have coffee and other caffeinated products become a lifeblood in you professional life? Do you dread the 1-3pm middle of the day slump after lunch?
Next time you feel like a cup of Joe, consider these ten benefits for reducing caffeine intake:
- -Lower Anxiety levels
- -Improve sleep
- -Absorb Nutrients Efficiently
- -Healthier teeth
- -Unbalanced Women’s hormones
- -Reduce Blood Pressure
- -Balance brain chemistry
- -Reduce headaches
- -A healthy digestion
- -Age better without coffee
6. Chew Gum
When going through stressful situation, gum chewing helps for the following reasons:
- -Boost alertness
- -Reduce stress
- -Reduce salivary cortisol levels.
By simply giving your mouth a slow and methodical task, you can concentrate better and even keep a balanced attitude. When your stressed, chewing gum is a lot better for you than an alternative like alcohol or even a pint of ice-cream.
7. Light a Candle
Sit down and enjoy a calming candle to make the end of the day that much more special. Light candles around the ring of your tub for an extra relaxing bath, or add candles to your daily meditation.
Practicing daily self-care activities such as lighting a candle can make that much more of a difference. Spice it up with a wide variety of scents, like:
- -Lemongrass
- -Tea Tree
- -Cinnamon
- -Licorice
- -Mint
With each scent comes a different mood. You’ll improve the overall atmosphere of one’s home, helping to facilitate family events and parties with invited guests.
8. Write More
There are tons of examples of why daily writing can be both therapeutic and beneficial for your overall health. Keeping a journal acts as a major stress releaser when the world seems too crazy to comprehend.
The journal is a house for your words, feelings, and thoughts — a private space of safety and (hopefully) self — acceptance. A journal can intercept how you feel about different events in the world before you’re ready to tell a friend. They can save you from social embarrassment and ease your confrontations with peers, whether at work or in more intimate spaces.
9. Write a gratitude list
Studies have shown that habitually keeping track of things you are grateful for can help to train your brain to always look on the bright side. Focusing on what’s positive in your life can help you to overcome stress.
10. Spend time with loved ones
Time with friends and family can be a great way to take your mind off your worries. Those of us with fewer social connections are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there are tons of ways to reduce stress. Whether it be playing the guitar, abstaining from coffee products, chewing gum, lighting candles or keeping a journal, the need for a reduction in stress levels are paramount. Try taking the edge off with any of these ideas – you’ll feel that rush of dopamine fast!
