5 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress

Stress is an inevitable part of human life, whether you like it or not. However, you should not be discouraged because you have power over your life. It would be best if you relieved the stress, or it would impact your well-being. If you’re stuck on ideas, here are five activities that will help you relax, both your mind and body.

Do Some Exercise

Exercising is always a good idea. Any burst of movement burns calories and triggers multiple hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which improves your mood and, of course, relieves tension. When it comes to physical activity, it does not have to be a rigorous workout. It could be as simple as taking a stroll around the park with your family or dancing your heart out to a playlist on your tablet in the living room.

If you’re looking for more extreme activities, consider cardiovascular exercise such as kayaking, trekking, or swimming to release all the subconscious tenseness in your muscles and end the day with a warm bath using water from the water heater. These exercises will also promote a good night’s sleep and emotions of well-being, both of which are needed to cope with stress.

Do Leisure Activity

Stress can cause people to become easily frustrated and angry. If you see yourself becoming one, take a step back and de-stress by engaging in leisure activities. Many people assume they are too busy for their interests, but they are not. Leisure activities are essential, and if you feel refreshed, you’ll perform better and effectively at work.

Gardening is one of the activities you can pursue, or you can find a new hobby like knitting. Knitting is not only a good outlet that allows you to make something, but it is also quite meditative. Mindful knitting is an approach that encourages people to focus more on their knitting and less on what’s going on in the outside world.

Practice Yoga

Yoga has grown in popularity as a stress-relieving and exercise practice for many people in recent years. Yoga, in general, includes meditation, controlled breathing, and physical activity, all of which help relieve stress. Yoga has many benefits in terms of both physical and psychological health. In addition to lowering your heart rate, yoga can lower your cortisol levels and blood pressure while raising hormones known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, which boost your mood.

Luckily, you can always practise yoga from the comfort of your own home. With a plethora of options available online, simply download programmes from the iPad to get started, and you’ll notice a difference in the long run. If you’re just starting, it’s best to enrol in a class or an online programme.

Practice Meditation

Unlike yoga, meditation focuses on slow, deep breathing, which allows you to focus on your five senses. There are a few types of meditation, each of which is unique and appealing in its way. For example, abdominal breathing, belly breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. While doing this exercise, you can create a mantra to repeat as you take slow, deep breaths.

Alternatively, you can spend a few minutes being present at the moment and practising mindfulness. Meditation not only calms the nervous and cardiovascular systems but also improves cortisol levels, focus and mood. Although a lot of practice is required to perfect meditation and mindfulness, it can make a difference in your overall stress level by bringing you back to the present.

Eat Healthily

Finally, eat a well-balanced and healthy diet. If you don’t eat right, you may experience side effects such as bloating and stomach pain. Since blood sugar levels significantly influence adrenal function, much of the dietary advice focuses on blood sugar stabilisation. Therefore, highly processed foods such as white bread, pasta, chocolates, and sweets should be consumed in moderation. Consume unprocessed meals such as brown bread, rice, and vegetables instead. Other than that, if you enjoy coffee or tea, keep a close eye on your consumption. While it delivers a quick energy boost, too much of it might drain your energy levels in the long run. Also, drink at least 1.5 litres of filtered water per day, and complete your diet with fruits.