Relax with these healthy stress relievers.
Stress sneaks up on all of us from time to time. The problem is that too much of it can alter your mood, trigger emotional eating, and negatively impact your health in the long term. Relieve your stress by trying a few of these 15 ways to de-stress during the day.
15 Ways to De-Stress During the Day
Stress isn’t something you ever plan. Your day can be going great until someone says or does something that throws you off. Maybe you argue with a friend, perhaps someone is rude to you at the store, or maybe your boss drops in with an extra workload. The unexpected will always happen, but how you deal with it will make all the difference.
Below are four main categories for decompressing. Depending on where you are, you can choose any of these categories to help reset your mood. Additionally, you can plan some these out in advance and make them part of your daily practice. Either way, find the solutions that work for you.
Body Movement
These de-stress methods are all about your body. Movement, relaxation, and stretching are all essential ways to get a midday refresher
1. Exercise
Physical activity boosts the body’s natural feel-good hormones—it’s where we get the term “runner’s high.” We have a huge variety of fitness workouts and challenges you can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for beginner workouts, advanced workouts, or quick workouts, we have options for you.
2. Breathe Deeply
Turn off distractions. While sitting up straight, inhale deeply and slowly through your nose and then out through your mouth. Repeat for one to two minutes. This will help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
3. Practice Yoga
Yoga is the perfect balance between physical activity and deep breathing. The combo helps alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Try to Chill Out and De-Stress with this Yoga Routine for Beginners or this Yoga Routine for Weight Loss.
4. Get Up and Move
De-stress tips like this one are less about exercise and more about not sitting on your rear for long periods. Stand up once or twice an hour and move. For example, walk to a colleague’s desk instead of using email, take the long way to the restroom, or just head outside for a quick five-minute walk if the weather is beautiful. Try: 15 Ways to Increase Your Daily Step Count.
5. Get Busy
Oh, yeah: We went there! Sex—even if it’s just a make-out session—can improve mood, and it will also burn calories. Learn more in Sex and Exercise: Boost Your Mood and Calorie Burn.
Eating Better
Making smarter food and drink choices can make the difference between increasing stress or giving you a momentary and much-needed feeling of euphoria.
6. Snack Smart
Sugary snacks weigh the body down with heavy carbs and make you feel sluggish when you’re already stressed. Instead, nourish yourself with clean eating options, like these 15 Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss.
7. Simplify Dinner
For a lot of people, the idea of preparing a nutritious dinner after a long day is enough to raise the blood pressure. Enter the slow cooker—one of our favorite de-stressing tips. Simply drop the ingredients into the bowl and go about your day. Try these healthy, delicious Slow Cooker Recipes.
8. Drink Tea
Healthy tea drinks offer theanine, an amino acid believed to soothe the nervous system. Indulge in tea that’s unsweetened or lightly naturally sweetened. Try our top-rated Ginger Mint Detox Herbal Tea.
Think Big
Thinking big is about stepping away from the usual hustle and bustle of life and being creative. Creativity is how you represent yourself, and even if you start small, the process can lead to something major in your life.
9. Get Crafty
A repetitive craft, like sewing, crocheting, or knitting, can also help reduce stress. Carry a small craft bag with you for on-the-go de-stressing.
10. Make a Gratitude List
Thankfulness isn’t just for the Thanksgiving table. When you’re feeling stressed, write down three things you’re thankful for—this will help you boost well-being and add perspective to life.
Slow Down
We live in a fast-paced world, so it’s time to do the opposite. Slowing down takes away unnecessary responsibility and allows you to refocus on yourself and others.
11. Connect with Others
Maintaining social connections is one of the best tricks for de-stressing. Relationships with family, friends, and even co-workers provide a sense of belonging as well as a sense of self-worth. Try combining exercise with friendship—learn how to Start a Fitness Program in Your Community.
12. Meditate
Take a few minutes each day to eliminate stressful or anxious thoughts and create a sense of calm with this easy-to-learn stress reliever. Check out our Meditation Guide for Absolute Beginners.
13. Turn On the Tunes
Never underestimate the power of music to relax the body and relieve the mind. Whether you stream from your phone or tune in to the car radio, unwind with a musical style that suits you. You can even add music to workouts to help you power through stress.
14. Turn Off the Tech
As much as tech tools help us become more productive or organized, those glowing screens sometimes demand so much attention that they add to our stress. Take a tech break by turning off the phone and putting the computer screen to sleep for a while.
15. Plan for a Good Night’s Rest
One of our top de-stress tips is committing to a good night’s sleep. Establish a bedtime ritual that includes relaxing activities, whether it’s a warm shower or a good book. Try these 6 Before-Bed Habits for Amazing Sleep.
Want to find more delicious, convenient clean-eating recipes? Check out our Pinterest boards, and Easy Recipes.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 25th, 2014.