Photo credit: Simply Academy
Stress is one of the mind’s worst enemies. It is something all of us go through, some more than the most. World Health Organization (WHO) defines stress as a state of constant worry or tension (mental) caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response to the worries and challenges in our lives. However, how we deal with stress makes a huge difference to our overall mental and physical well-being. Stress relievers and their use are the most important differentiators that set us apart from other people.
More and more people are going through stress and anxiety in the world. And today’s all-consumable lifestyle adds to the burnout. As per one research, in 2021, globally, four in 10 adults said they experienced worries (42%) and stress (41%), and slightly more than three in 10 adults experienced physical pain (31%). Over the last few years, the world has gone through a very stressful period as we learned how to survive the dangerous pandemic COVID-19. With that, our surroundings changed as we tried to get accustomed to the new life, working from home, and adjusting to life in lockdown and the post-COVID world. For some, it has been more strenuous. And we grieved the loss of our departed loved ones, fallen relationships, or jobs. This stress has caused tremendous negative effects on our overall well-being.
A little stress is good for us and can help us perform our daily activities. However, too much stress can definitely cause physical and mental health problems.
Learning about stress relievers can help us feel less overwhelmed and in control. The below list contains both short-term and long-term stress relievers.
1. First and foremost, just breathe
Yes, you read it correctly. This is an age-old reliever. Just close your eyes, count to 10, and breathe. Slow, deep breaths have a magical effect in lowering your blood pressure or heart rate or helping you if you have a panic attack. There are different yogic breathing techniques (pranayama breathing) that involve breathing through the nostrils, which can help relieve stress and anxiety.
2. Take time for some meditation
Meditation is a great way to attain a tranquil state of mind and improve physical well-being. It involves an array of mindfulness techniques that use mental focus, observation, awareness, and breathing exercises, which can help.
3. Be physically active
Yes, moving more and sitting less or doing some physical activity – whether it is going for a walk, alone or with your dog, playing football (soccer) for a while, doing a quick workout, or breaking your favorite dance moves – every single one of them can help in reducing stress by diverting your mind to the triggering issue that is causing stress.
4. Journal away
Write down how you feel, three things you are grateful for, or one thing that made you laugh today. Invest in a good planner, or you can even get yourself a The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal: Five-Year Record by Gretchen Rubin. I personally found both the book as well as the journal to be a very helpful medium.
5. Don’t be your harshest critic
We often forget that we are, in the end, humans, and all humans are flawed to an extent. Go ahead and make mistakes, but learn from those mistakes. You will always be your critic, but no matter what, don’t come down too hard on yourself. If you demand the best from yourself, there is nothing wrong. But if you fall down, pick yourself up. Check in with yourself. Ask your inner self how it is feeling. Be kind to yourself.
6. Make time for hobbies or other fun activities
We all know that adulting is hard. But doing something fun like painting, reading a book, rock climbing, or even hanging out with your friends can act as stress relievers.
7. Music is the food of the soul
All of us probably already know this, but just close your eyes, put on the headphones, and play your favorite song. Music in itself is healing, and when it hits you, you relieve stress.
8. Laugh out loud
When was the last time you laughed so hard that you cried a bit? This doesn’t mean typing LOL on texts but actually laughing out loud in reality! Whether it is by watching funny videos or movies, just laugh. Think of someone or something that makes you laugh. For me, cute panda videos or dogs doing funny things always make me laugh
9. Buy a stress ball
If you don’t have a stress ball, get one. On those rainy days when you want to smother your coworker or your driver, squeeze a stress ball instead! It is easy, portable, and of course, a nonviolent way to relieve stress.
10. Water is your best friend
Whether splashing some cold water on your face or drinking some, water can always come to your rescue. When you are feeling too bogged down, go to the washroom and splash some water. It magically helps.
11. Follow a routine
As boring as it sounds, having a routine and following it diligently can have a miraculous effect on your life. Also, get enough sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time can help your mind and body adapt to a certain routine and can also have long-term benefits.
12. Travel
To travel is indeed to live, as the famous quote goes. There is nothing more riveting than traveling. Quench your soul’s thirst by taking that long-awaited trip alone or with your friends. At the end of your travel, trust me when I say this, you will return with a bag full of memories and a rejuvenated mind and soul.
13. Volunteer
Numerous studies have demonstrated the stress-reducing benefits of volunteering, making it an excellent option for individuals seeking to both enhance their well-being and contribute to their community or chosen charitable organization.
14. Pamper yourself
I am a firm believer in doing what makes me happy. Go ahead, book that spa that you have been eyeing for so long, or go for retail therapy. Indulge in some chocolates or get that hair color you have been waiting for. It has a huge positive impact on your mental health.
15. Let go of or reduce certain habits
I am not saying that if you enjoy drinking, completely quit, although that surely has benefits. I personally enjoy grabbing a few drinks, mostly with my friends. All I am saying is reducing certain habits like alcohol intake, or smoking can have a longer benefit on your physical and mental well-being.
16. Get organized
Clutter could be contributing to your stress as well. Clean your room or organize your space and see how it can help you feel better.
17. Connect with your people
People who bring negativity or toxicity into your life, no matter how close they are, let them go. And connect with those who value you and understand you. Reach out to them if you are feeling anxious. All of us have our demons to fight, and even though our journeys are different from each other, people who love you are the ones you hold on to, especially on those rainy days.
18. Always seek help
Seeking help doesn’t make you weak. It actually takes a lot of courage to accept your vulnerability and then ask for help. Most of us have not got it together, and that is okay. But if it is getting tremendously difficult to manage stress on your own, make an appointment with a therapist and get that much-needed help.
The Bottom Line
Today, most of us have bounced back from the negative impact the pandemic had on us, while others are trying to do that. The last three to four years also showed us the strength of the human spirit. We are not easily breakable. All of us have our own stress relievers to survive and let go of those negative emotions that no longer serve us.
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