Stress is inevitable at times. There is daily stress we have to deal with, and it can have many sources, such as school, work, and relationship drama, among others. If you are not careful, however, the stress can quickly get piled up, and you may feel burned out.
Here are six tips to help you reduce your stress levels.
Exercise
While it may seem strange, exercise can be a great way to reduce stress. Placing physical stress on your body with exercise can help you reduce stress by releasing your stress hormones. It can help you release any pent up energy inside your body and mind. Plus, it comes with a bunch of other benefits that could reduce your stress, such as improved sleep quality and boosting your confidence.
A Massage
If you feel stressed, whether it be mentally or physically, there is nothing that a good massage cannot fix. When you get a massage, it will increase your dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin levels that are all considered “happy hormones.” It will also increase tissue elasticity and decrease cortisol.
Not everyone, however, can go out to get a massage every week since it can get pricey. You can invest in infinity massage chairs so you can relax and get a massage anytime you want in the comfort of your home.
Scents
When you feel stressed, aromatherapy can be your new best friend. Scents can help you feel more energized, calm you down, and lift your mood. You can use essential oils or candles to get the benefits of aromatherapy. However, you should pick scents that are targeted for stress relief, such as rose, geranium, sandalwood, etc. If you want to feel calmer to get a good night’s sleep, we suggest that you choose lavender.
Write
If you have a lot of thoughts going around your head, then you should try writing it down. You can try your hand at creative writing if you are into writing short stories or poems. You could also get into journaling if you want to express your thoughts. You can make it a new hobby by getting journals and other art supplies. However, if you only want to relieve the thoughts from your mind, you can write it down on your laptop or your phone.
A Pet
A lot of studies show that pets can significantly reduce stress and improve your mood. When you interact with pets, it can release oxytocin, which is a brain chemical that lifts your mood. Even spending five minutes to pet a furry friend can create a huge and positive impact. Plus, they can provide companionship and keep you active. If you cannot take on the responsibility of owning a pet, you can ask your friend if you could visit their dog or cat for a while.
Deep Breathing
One of the simplest and most effective ways to calm down is to breathe deeply. When you feel stressed, it can increase your heart rate, which can cause other problems such as anxiety. You can try deep breathing exercises to slow down your heartbeat and mind to calm yourself down. You can try different forms of deep breathing exercises, such as paced respiration, belly breathing, abdominal breathing, etc.
Stress can cause a lot of damage to your physical and mental health. Follow these tips to help you relieve your stress.
