As the world outside continues to move rapidly and anxieties mount, it is important now more than ever to create spaces within yourselves for relaxation and de-stressing. Between working from home or attending online classes, life can be full of stressors – but with a few simple steps, you can create an environment that allows you to take a break from the chaos while embracing self-care.
1. Take a Break From Technology and Social Media
With the continuous invention of new technology, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to unplug from the digital world and take a break from devices and social media. Despite this, taking some time away from the online sphere can be immensely helpful for alleviating stress levels and discovering what truly matters in life.
It can be as simple as tuning out for an hour, setting your phone aside, and doing something that helps connect you with yourself or staying in the moment with your surroundings. Unplugging is beneficial for recharging one’s mental state and restoring relationships that may have been neglected due to excessive use of technology.
2. Meditate
Meditation is a great way to reduce stress, increase awareness and boost energy. Taking even five minutes to practice self guided meditation can make a real difference in your day. It involves being seated in a comfortable position or lying on the floor and letting the mind become relaxed and quiet.
During this practice, focusing on breathing and letting any thoughts pass without judgment or analysis is helpful. This will help you feel calmer, more focused, and energized, enabling higher physical and mental performance.
3. Exercise
Incorporating regular exercise, such as jogging, into your daily routine can have a significant and positive effect on your mental health. It can reduce stress levels and improve your overall mood by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Not only is it good for physical health, but it also helps with mental well-being since getting active allows you to break away from everyday worries, reduces anxiety, and gives you time to focus solely on yourself.
4. Talk to a Friend or Family Member
It can be very helpful to open up and discuss how you feel about someone you trust. Whether it is a close friend or a family member, having someone to listen to you and provide support can make such an impact on diffusing stressors.
Having this emotional connection, knowing that somebody is there for you and that they understand what you’re going through, can provide a sense of security and solace that can help reduce your stress levels. It can be beneficial to voice your worries and have them heard by someone who cares. It may not necessarily fix the problem, but it provides comfort and a way to process your emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Writing Journal
Writing in a journal can be an immensely therapeutic and cathartic process. Expressing yourself through writing your thoughts and feelings down on paper can be very freeing; it’s like permitting yourself to express all of the complicated, sometimes contradictory, emotions that can swirl inside you. Journaling is also beneficial for its ability to help encourage self-reflection, which leads to greater inner clarity, thus allowing for more rational decision-making.
6. Listen To Music
Music is a powerful force- it can take you on a journey of emotions and feelings without leaving the room. When it comes to reducing stress and improving mood, music is an invaluable tool. The right soundtrack provides a distraction from worry or despair, while the melody itself is inherently calming; it can remind us that there is something else out there besides our current problems. Taking an intentional break from stressful thoughts by listening to calming music can provide clarity, allowing us to access more creative solutions for discomfort.
8. Spend Time in Nature
Being outdoors can help you feel more relaxed and connected to your environment, so take a walk in the park or spend some time in your garden.
9. Make Time For Yourself
You need to prioritize yourself to effectively manage your stress levels. Make sure to take time each day for yourself, whether reading a book or taking a hot bath.
10. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for reducing stress levels, so get the recommended amount of sleep each night. Set a consistent bedtime routine that you stick to every night to ensure quality sleep and reduce stress.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to find an activity that works for you to de-stress. For some people, it may be reading, going for a run, or listening to music. Experiment until you find something that relaxes you, and stick with it. Creating the best environment for de-stressing means finding what works for you and making time for it daily.
