Be mindful
You’re sitting at home, it’s the weekend, and you have no idea what to do with yourself. You feel out of place and restless, so you decide to distract yourself by watching TV or browsing the internet, but you’re only more uncomfortable when you come back to reality and realize that all your time was wasted. This happens often if you don’t know how to relieve stress in your life. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to de-stress both in the short term and the long term, so why not try some of them?
1) Get enough sleep
Sleep is an obvious way to reduce stress. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get seven or more hours of sleep each night. If that’s not possible, try to get enough sleep every day and avoid sleeping in too late on weekends. Even if you don’t have time for a full hour of nap during the day, taking a few minutes here and there can make a big difference.
2) Eat healthy
Eating healthy is one of the most important ways you can reduce stress. If you’re eating crappy food all day, your body will feel run down and stressed out. Plus, it’s much more difficult to make good decisions when you’re tired and hungry. You should try to eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner each day so that you never get too hungry or too full during the day.
3) Exercise
- Exercise regularly. This will reduce your stress levels and improve your mood. It’s a good way to clear your head and stay healthy overall.
- Spend time with friends or family members you enjoy being around. Spending time with people who can make you laugh can be a great way to de-stress from work or other issues that are bothering you.
- Take care of yourself by eating well and getting enough sleep each night, in addition to exercising regularly, as these things will also improve your mood and reduce stress levels over time.
4) Take breaks
One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is take breaks. It’s not just enough to take a break from work – you also need to take breaks from other aspects of life, too. That means taking a break from social media, your phone, and even television. Your brain will thank you!
5) Find a hobby
Find a hobby you enjoy that can be done in your free time. Hobbies are an important way to alleviate stress and get some relaxation. Try taking up a new activity, like painting or playing the guitar. If you’re unsure what kind of hobby to take up, search for ideas online. You can also talk with friends about their hobbies or join a local class for something like cooking or photography.
6) Spend time with loved ones
Spending time with loved ones is one of the best ways to de-stress. When you take a break from work and just spend time with family and friends, your stress levels will drop and your spirits will be lifted. You’ll feel happier and more relaxed afterwards. Plus, it’s important for people in your life who care about you to know that you need them at times, too.
Allowing yourself some me time (five sentences)
It’s important for people to take some time for themselves every now and then–to go do something they enjoy that has nothing to do with work or family.
7) Avoid drugs and alcohol
Drugs and alcohol can be a great way to de-stress in the short term. But they are often counterproductive in the long term. They can make you feel worse, create physical dependence, and lead to addiction. Plus, it is important not to overlook an underlying mental health issue that could be causing your stress in the first place.
8) Do something you enjoy every day
Do something you enjoy every day, whether it be reading a book, going for a walk, or watching TV. What is your favorite hobby? Whatever it is that makes you happy, do it every day! You deserve to take care of yourself and have fun too.
9) Take deep breaths
Taking deep breaths has been proven to reduce stress. Deep breathing can be achieved by using the following steps:
1) Close your eyes and focus on breathing in through your nose, then out through your mouth. 2) Breathe in for three seconds, hold for a count of three, then breathe out for six seconds. Repeat this cycle a few times until you feel more relaxed.
10) Practice meditation
Take some time each day for yourself, even if it’s just five minutes. Meditating will allow you to relax and can help to reduce stress. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Be mindful of what’s happening in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
