Stress is one of those debilitating things that consumes more than 70% of the people in the US daily. The worst part is, there’s minimal warning signs and the person being consumed doesn’t know it’s happening until it’s too late. Taking the time out of your day and relaxing allows you to take a break out of the daily rigors that causes too much stress and changes your outlook on your entire day.
When it comes to relieving stress, there are numerous things you can do that won’t cost you a thing. After recognizing it, taking the time to mend and heal yourself will make you far more productive and allow you to accomplish everything you set out to do.
The following read details the Top 10 Ways to Relieve Stress and Relax, and the best part is they are all 100% free.
10. Light a Candle or Consider Aromatherapy
Odds are you have a candle lying around in a kitchen drawer or burn essential oils on a regular basis. It’s been proven that certain scents can have a soothing effect and has a profound effect on relieving stress and promoting relaxation. Some of the most notable scents include: Bergamot, Rose, Lavender, Sandalwood, Orange Blossom, Geranium and many more.
9. Reduce Caffeine in Your Life
While caffeine may seem to give you that pick-me-up you need daily, it’s been proven to have a negative impact on stress and anxiety. Caffeine is a stimulant and is found in coffee, soda, chocolate and tea and higher doses has been known to increase anxiety. Caffeine in moderation is fine, but try to stay under five cups per day.
8. Take Notes
One of the biggest stressors for all of us is not accomplishing simple daily tasks. One of the easiest ways to stay on track is to revert to the basic and take notes. Simply put, a piece of paper and pen in your back pocket will help you stay on track and reduce stress and anxiety while allowing you to focus better.
7. Chewing Gum
Sure, gum may set you back about $1 if we’re talking about a whole pack, but it’s one of the simplest ways to relieve stress. Some believe that chewing gum helps stimulate blood flow to the brain as well as having similarities to people more relaxed by causing brain waves.
6. Laughter
While it’s easier said than done, laughing during stressful times helps free your mind while promoting a healthier state of mind, improving your immune system and your overall mood. Simple things like watching a funny movie, going to a comedy club, or surrounding yourself by children helps stimulate laughter. Ultimately, this will help relax your muscles and relieve your body’s stress response.
5. Accomplish More by Avoiding Procrastination
Procrastination puts us all behind and ultimately promotes a reactive instead of a proactive response. Start your day by tackling the least desirable or hardest tasks to accomplish instead of procrastinating and saving them for the end, or next day. Procrastination can have an indirect result on sleep quality which directly effects stress and anxiety.
4. Take Up Yoga or Meditation
Yoga and meditation has become one of the most widely accepted ways of relieving stress. With the numerous free resources out there including YouTube, any novice can become an experienced Yogi almost overnight. The physical and psychological effects yoga and meditation have on self are profound and are proven to have a positive effect on your stress response and central nervous system.
3. Listen to Soothing Music
Music is one of the oldest, free ways of relieving stress. We’re not exactly talking about heavy metal or rap music, we’re talking about calm, soothing music. Sounds of nature, classical, Celtic and Indian music have all proven to have a positive effect on stress which is why you’ll see them in many meditation and relaxation exercises.
2. Exercise
Some believe exercise causes physical stress, and while true, it’s been proven to reduce psychological stress which is attributed to anxiety. Having a daily or three times a week routine with exercise in your life is sure to reduce stress and promote relaxation, both physically and mentally. Some of the most notable reasons include: the reduction of body’s stress hormones, improves sleep quality and gives you more confidence.
1. Surround Yourself with Those You Love
Surrounding yourself with friends and family will help you with recognizing you’re getting to the point of being over-stressed and giving you the outside influences to turn things around. Having a strong network surrounds you with people willing to go out of their way and help take your mind off the things that adds stress to your life. Some studies suggest that being in a familiar surrounding helps release oxytocin which is a natural stress reliever within the body.
