Relax, Refresh, Revive: Simple Practices To Bust Stress
There’s no doubt that life can get chaotic. Family dramas, unexpected bills, pressure at work. It can all creep up on you and before you know it you’re left feeling frazzled and positively overwhelmed. Not only is this unpleasant, but over time it’s bad for your health too. When chronic stress is linked to stroke, diabetes and heart problems it’s really not something to take lightly. While there’s not much we can do about the trials and tribulations that life throws at us, we do have some control over how we respond to them. Sometimes taking a little bit of time out for yourself and de-stressing is just what you need. It can give you the energy and motivation to get back out there and tackle life head on. Here are just a few things you can do to relax and avoid burnout.
Yoga
Exercise in general is a great stress buster. But if you don’t fancy sweating it out in the gym, yoga is a great low impact activity which can make a genuine difference. It allows you to breathe, clear your mind and stretch your body- perfect for easing tight knotted muscles! There are loads of yoga tutorials on Youtube you can follow along to and it can be done from home too- great if you have time or budget restraints. All you really need is an outfit that you can stretch and move properly in, some yoga leggings and a loose vest top will do the trick. Yoga helps to improve flexibility and allows you to gain strength too as well as reduce stress.
Meditation
Meditation allows you to enter a deep state of relaxation, clear your mind and dramatically lower stress. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just your bed or a comfortable chair. There are free apps you can download to listen along to, or you could find a soothing sounds compilation online. When you’re feeling really stressed and overwhelmed, give yourself twenty minutes. Meditate, clear your mind and tap into that inner peace. Afterwards, you’re guaranteed to feel a lot calmer and more positive,
Hot Baths
Forget quick showers, treat yourself to a hot pampering bath instead. Essential oils can help you to relax, and the hot water eases tense muscles and lowers blood pressure. A lot like meditating it’s a quiet place where you can clear your head and forget about your troubles and stresses for a little while. Invest in some scented candles, some hydrating hair and skin products and some nice fluffy towels for when you get out. It gives you a little bit of ‘me’ time which is much needed when life gets chaotic. You could go a step further and invest in a hot tub, or jump into the jacuzzi at the gym or spa if you live locally to one.
Green Tea
Sipping on a cup of warm green tea has been said to promote feelings of relaxation and wellbeing. There’s significantly less caffeine than black tea (and far less than coffee) which is good since caffeine can lead to stress and exacerbate anxiety. Incredibly, green tea even provides an amino acid shown to promote a state of calm awareness called L- theanine. Along with all of this, green tea also contains tons of antioxidants that are beneficial for health too. Making the switch can make a world of difference, so it’s worth giving it a go. It’s less expensive than many other types of drinks and could be just what you need to help you wind down when you’re feeling stressed.
Massage
You could either rope a partner in to massage you or go to a spa and have a massage done professionally. It’s one of the best ways to relieve sore muscles, and can also massively reduce stress levels. Massage has been shown to release endorphins, the brain’s ‘happy chemicals’ so it really does have an impact on mood and wellbeing. Research has shown that even a single session can significantly lower your heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels and insulin levels. All of these together mean you feel much less stressed and feelings of relaxation increase. You can even practice self massage techniques which have been shown to be very effective. The hands and feet are linked up to nerves elsewhere in the body meaning massaging them can provide fantastic benefits.
Do you have any stress busting tips for when times get difficult?
I need to try esential oils in my bath. That would be a great way to reduce stress
I love using Lavender in my bath before bedtimex
good hot bath works for me every time. I shall try other method as no long have bath tub at home.
I would be lost without my bath 🙂
I will check this yoga, meditation and self-massage techniques on youtube and start a stress relief program for myself at home. Thanks for reminding.
I have tried Medication in the past but just cant switch off enough to benefit from it, some great videos on Youtube x
I am big on taking a hot bath at least once a week. It’s my me time that no one can take away. Helps me to relax and forget about the stress.
Yes I am the same, I wait until the kids are all in bed and sneak in to have a bath in peace and quiet without little ones coming in an out 🙂
I have been meaning to try yoga as my doctor tells me it will be good for my back injury and I can use the stress relief as well. My go-to stress relief is nightly baths with Epsom salts and essential oils.
I am trying to find a Yoga class locally to myself that is on at a time that suits. Love my baths with lavender oil x
A hot bath and a massage is what I crave for. I haven’t had a full body massage in quite some time and I really have to find time for it. Since I don’t do yoga, and there is too much distraction around me to do meditation, I really think that the hot bath and the massage would work wonders for me.
Been a long time since I have had a full body massage as well, long over due 🙂
Oh yeah, yoga, hot bath and full massage really helps me to take away the stress. Will try using some essential oils for some hot baths.
Hot baths help me a lot–or hot showers. I could never get into yoga or meditation though and I have yet to ever get a massage. One day!
Yoga is my main de-stresser. I always feel as light as a cloud after a session. I’d love a massage too but my boyfriend’s not very good in that area. If I want a good one I have to pay for it at a spa!
Ha yes mine is the same, so I have hinted for a spa day for Valentines 😉
Spa and massage works for me. This is the best thing to relax.
I’d like to go for a spa to relax and unwind myself.. Great choice, kan?
These are all lovely ideas to beat stress. Whenever I need a quick fix, I usually just listen to music but when I have the time, meditation is the way to go. Yoga is great as well.
I know hot bathes do it for me when I am stressed. Just being able to soak in the hot water. Perfect!
Yoga and green tea are my go to’s for relaxing. Followed up by a nice hot bath works wonders for stress. I need to try your other ideas next time.
Spa massage are great for me when I’m stress and it makes me feel relax. Glad that you share this post
hmmm! i love hot bath at the end of the day. it is relaxing for me too when i go to the gym or even when i just do a quick run. totally need a massage!
I prefer Spa and massage for my relaxation, it really relieves the tension and stress.
I already do most of these and they honestly HELP! I strongly recommend them to anyone having a hard time, they will really calm you