In today’s world, we live amidst chaos and stress where we rarely get time to unwind and focus on our well-being.
Research conducted in the U.S. in 2017 also indicates that the stress rate is up with about 61% people suffering from work-related stress and around 62% from financial issues. (1)
With this ever-increasing stress, how do we find ways to relax and focus on our mental well-being? Well, here are six strategies that you can follow and de-stress your mind, body, and soul
Table Of Contents
Meditate
If you are under stress, then meditation would work best to provide relief.
You don’t even have to take out an hour, find a calm spot, close your eyes and relax your mind and body.
Breathe deeply and focus on the present, distracting your mind from all the worries. Concentrate on each breath as you inhale, exhale and picture the stress leaving your body.
You can even try quick mindfulness exercises that don’t require you to set aside time and can be practiced while standing, sitting down or walking.
Put On Some Music
If you are feeling stressed out, put on your favorite music and give yourself a break. You don’t even have to take out time to de-stress since you can listen to music while performing your regular tasks.
Music can have a soothing effect on the mind and has been shown to reduce blood pressure and the production of the stress hormone cortisol. (2)
So if you need motivation for a long day at work or need to relax your mind when stuck in traffic- compile a playlist of your favorite songs and put it to use.
Play with Your Pets
Our pets are the most adorable creatures that can bring a smile to our face in the most difficult of times.
If you have had a bad day at work or had a fight with a loved one, go and cuddle with your furry companion or spend time socializing with your pet bird and playing interactive games.
And make sure you treat your animals in a special way; pamper them, give them the best of everything and if you want to make your birds feel at home, purchase a comfy bird cage.
Exercise
Physical activity boosts the production of endorphins in the brain which are the feel-good hormones.
It can also help you forget your worries as you focus on your body’s movements and their rhythms. This concentration on a single activity encourages optimism and provides the determination of achieving your goals. (3)
People who follow a consistent workout regime report better mood, feelings of well-being and optimum health, all of which are great for the reduction of stress.
Get a Massage
What can be a better way to de-stress and unwind than to spend a day pampering yourself at the spa? Massage therapy can help promote relaxation of the muscles, relieve pain, tension and anxiety.
It can also improve your mood and sleep patterns. Consistent massage therapy can also boost your energy levels and reduce pain.
One set of research revealed that the subjects had reduced amount of cortisol (the stress hormone) in their saliva after being massaged and another reported that women, in particular, reported a better body image after massage therapy.
So the next time you need some stress relief, consider booking yourself a session with a trained masseuse in town.
Step Outside Around Nature
Multiple studies have indicated that nature can have a positive impact on our mental well-being. Living in the city, amidst all the chaos, it becomes hard to access places where you can find peace and serenity. (4)
One research indicated that people who exercised in natural environments had a more significant reduction in their anxiety levels.
A walk in the park, a hiking trip or a day witnessing the beauty of nature can help you forget your worries and reduce your stress levels.
Unplugging from the world can help as well, so the next time try planning a vacation to the countryside, put away all the fancy gadgets and unwind.
