We all know that our contemporary life makes it hard for us to de-stress. But the key is to make these 7 tips your habit. De-stressing not only helps your health, it various benefits like lowers your blood pressure, improves mental and neurological health and lets you get enough restful sleep for a fresh new start of the day, everyday.
You may work a very long day, leaving you a very limited time to de-stress yourself.You may have to fight the exhausting commute while your way back to home. Your boss may be sending you emails of work putting you on pressure of work. At the same time your head might be telling you to “do the laundry, buy grocery, check mails or shopping.”
Some people have additional responsibilities after going home from work like child care, cooking which leaves a very little time for a de-stress. But don’t worry we have these 7 tips that will be a sure shot way for you to de-stress yourself in spite of a hectic lifestyle. Your body and mind will thank you if you do these.
De-Stress: 7 Ways that Work
1. Leave work at Workplace
If you have very often long working days at office, make sure at some point you keep your mind away from the work. Even after work, if your brain still thinks about the work, mails and reports you have to send, engage a psychological stop sign to stop these overthinking. Some people even recommend a mental stopage sugn that you see on streets.
Or you can spend 15 minutes in making a to-do list at the end of the work day. This in fact allows your mind to stay away from the work for a while at least.
2. Unplug the Screens
We are continuously in front of the screens for whole day with our large computer screens, smartphones and then at last television. Though they may be relaxing at some point, but studies show that while personal screen time seems relaxing, it actually elicits the stress response.
Rather completely unplug these screens while being at home and use the music for a change. When you are at home, create a relaxing environment.
3. Make time for meditation
This is one of the best way to de-stress. Without fail find some time to meditate after work. A regular meditation practice brings about a remarkable changes in your brain making it calm and peaceful.
There are many kind of meditations but one of the best to relax yourself is “body scan meditation.” In this you systematically and carefully focus on relaxing your hands, arms, legs and other body parts. If possible have some time everyday for meditation without fail.
Related Link: Quick body scan meditation audio
4. Use Bath time to De-stress
A good warm shower relaxes your body and the mind follows suit. So a couple of hours before bed, sink yourself in a relaxing bubble bath. Hot water, bubbles, and fresh smells are natural enemies of stress.
5. Exercise – A Proven De-Stresser
We all know that exercise is good for your physical health. But at the same time it’s equally beneficial for your mental health. In fact exercise is a proven de-stresser.
Whether you do treadmill, kickboxing or squats, you’ll be rewarded with endorphins (hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system) and reduced levels of stress hormones. Swimming and Yoga too often have a de-stressing effects when they are made a part of your daily routines.
6. Make something your hobby
In stead of de-stressing in front of the television, pick up something interesting and make them your bobby. Spend your evenings in painting, research, learn play music instruments, etc.
These things not only will relax you but it will keep you mentally sharp. Recently knitting has become a popular de-stressing trend. A study shows that knitters find the repetitive motion very relaxing as it acts much like a meditation.
7. Sleep, sleep and sleep
Never forget that you need 8 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep deprivation is the biggest factor for stressful nature. Fact is also that it isn’t always easy to sleep if you’re tensed.
Try listening some soothing music before bedtime.
The Bottom line
The best activities to de-stress vary from person to person. It’s important that you find a way that amuses you and stick with it for a long haul.