If you are having a stressful week (or year), I have just the post for you. These are 11 of the best stress relief activities to decompress and unwind.
Get Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep increases the Cortisol (stress hormone) in your body, which will make you feel even more stressed out and anxious.
Lay Off Of The Caffeine
Studies show that a large consumption of caffeine can make you more anxious. Switch to water or chamomile tea to feel relaxed. Add a lemon or fruit to your water for an immune-system boost and added flavor!
Use Essential Oils & Candles
It is scientifically proven that the scent of Lavender can help you feel more relaxed (hence, why they have lavender candles and oils at spas). Light a relaxing candle and take a bath! Get a lavender or stress-relief aromatherapy rollerball to smell while you’re at work when you’re having a stressful day. Put a lavender candle on your desk (you don’t even have to light it). If you want to put some soothing essential oils on your skin, make sure you use a “carrier” in between your skin and the oil to protect your skin! One carrier oil that acts as a great barrier is Coconut Oil. You can also use unscented lotion.
Meditation
Whether you use an app like Headspace on your phone, watch a free meditation video on YouTube, or just meditate by yourself, having this quiet time to yourself can help you feel more at ease. Meditation gets a bad reputation for being weird too mystical. But really, meditation is just alone time with your thoughts and breathing. It is beneficial to your mind and body to having a few minutes of un-interrupted thoughts. Sit in a quiet, comfortable place and try to focus on just your breathing for 3 minutes. If your thoughts run away, bring your attention back to your breath.
Journaling
One of the best things you can do with all of the anxious thoughts in your head is to write it all down. Jot down all of your inner monologue, worries, fears, goals, ideas, and random thoughts that are taking up space in your head.
Write down how you feel or what emotions you’re dealing with. It really works, and it’s a lot cheaper than therapy.
Get In Some Exercise
Stay Away From “Junk Food”
Eating like crap will just make you feel more like crap. Try to eat some brain food during stressful times. If you have a sweet tooth, dark chocolate is great to eat because it’s been known to reduce stress levels (aim for 70% or higher cacao for full de-stressing benefits).
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Talk To A Loved One
Pet a Dog
Dogs are the best therapy animals for a reason. Studies show that petting a dog reduces anxiety! So go find a cute dog!
Make a List
Make a list of all of the tasks you must complete. Assign each one to a specific day and time, and make note of which tasks need to be done first. Organizing this list into a calendar and scheduling in terms of urgency will take away that feeling of being overwhelmed.
Just Breathe
Look away from your phone/tablet and just take a deep breath. It’s all going to be okay!
Some other ways to decompress:
- Watch your favorite comfort TV Show
- Listen to relaxing music
- Listen to a podcast
- Take a bubble bath
- Go outside for fresh air
- Color a picture
These were 9 stress relief activities you can incorporate into your life to reduce stress from the office. I hope you find them helpful!
What are some of your favorite ways to de-stress?
XO,
Layton
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