As the winter drags on, feeling blue and stressed is very common. School, work, friend drama can get anyone feeling down. However, there are a lot of ways to help the mind and the body relax. I put together a list of easy stress relief methods that will quickly help you get back into shape after a long day.
Aromatherapy
Apply essential oils such as lavender or rosemary to ease headaches. These essential oils can be added to candles or to water and sprayed around the room. You can find these essential oils for aromatherapy at Kumi and other online stores.
Bath time
Take out the bath bombs. Baths can soothe your aching muscles and give your mind some peace.
Cleaning
This might not work for everyone, but a lot of people say that cleaning can help them relax. Putting things in order and seeing all that hard work pay off can be satisfying.
Dancing
Literally, dance like nobody’s watching. Move your body to an old favorite or blast the Top 40 through your speakers.
Exercise
Not much of a dancer? There are tons of simple exercises that can be done at home. This gets your mind that needed break from being overburdened.
Foot massage
Obviously, not all of us are lucky enough to get a foot massage every day, but there is also the option of having a home pedicure session. Soak your feet in some warm water and relax.
Get together
Sometimes it is nice to just get together with our friends, classmates, colleagues. Sharing your worries can definitely help ease your mind.
Hugs
Hugs are definitely one of the best ways to relieve stress. Some scientists have even discovered that hugs can improve memory.
Indulge in ice cream
I read an article recently about how ice cream can stimulate the brain. Enough said!
Jogging
If those problems are keeping you up at night you can always tire yourself out.
Kissing
Kissing is said to lower anxiety levels. Spread the love!
Laugh
Watch a comedy show or just some funny videos. Laughter is said to relax the body and be good for stress relief.
Music
Music is said to have a link to our emotions. Create a stress-relief playlist.
Nap
A power nap can actually do wonders. So don’t feel bad about passing out at four in the evening.
Order in
Order all that food that you have been craving for the past couple of weeks or so. Don’t think about cooking or cleaning the dishes.
Plan ahead
Creating a plan can also help with stress. Schedule in something to look forward to at the end of the day!
Quiet time
Turn everything off and indulge in the stillness, as you forget about the hectic world outside.
Reading
Let the words sink in without your mind wandering somewhere else.
Sing
Literally, sing your heart out. Create a Karaoke session at home with your hairbrush as the microphone.
Teas
Herbal teas like chamomile and lavender help reduce stress and leave you more relaxed. So go ahead and warm up with a nice cup of hot tea if you feel you need to relax.
Unplug
Turn off all social media. Forget about what other people are doing or what the world is going through at that moment.
Video Games
This is a good diversion strategy. Occupy your mind with something else to let it cool off.
Walks
Breathe in the fresh air of the outdoors. Get your body moving and your mind will feel fresh and relaxed after half an hour.
E(x)hale
Gradually count down from 10 all the way to zero. Continue this breathing pattern until you find your heart rate slowly going back to normal.
Yoga
Yoga helps you focus on your breaths and this can calm your mind. Slow movements are a good way to discharge that stress.
Find your Zen
Meditate. Calm your mind for just a few minutes a day.
Whenever you are feeling under the weather always take a few minutes to relax. It’s important to listen to your body and give it the break that it needs. If you give yourself a chance to destress right away, it can do wonders in the long run.
Featured image via Artem Podrez on Pexels
