Stress Begone.
We all know that exercise and meditation are great ways to reduce stress, but what about some of the more unexpected activities? In this blog post, we will discuss 12 different activities that can help you reduce stress. From watching a funny movie to taking a walk in nature, there is something for everyone! So read on and find out how you can start reducing your stress today!
Help Someone Out.
We spend an awful lot of time in our own heads. Discussing the bills we forgot to pay yesterday, trying to overcome an obstacle at work and maybe being a little too hard on ourselves for missing that workout this morning. A great way to get out of our heads for a bit is to tune into the needs of others. Doing favors for those in need can give us the same feeling of satisfaction as if we were on the receiving end. Maybe an elderly neighbor could use some weeds pulled, or you could make the day of the person behind you in the drive-through at the coffee shop. No matter how big or small, every act of kindness counts!
A great way to get out of our own heads for a bit is to tune into the needs of others.
Get Some Sun.
We all know that vitamin D is important for our health, but did you know that it can also help reduce stress? When we are lacking in vitamin D, our bodies produce more of the stress hormone cortisol. So get out there and soak up some rays! Whether it's reading a book on the porch or a walk around the park, fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for our stress.
Talk to a Friend.
Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is to talk about it. When we keep our worries bottled up, they tend to fester and grow. But when we take the time to discuss our concerns with a friend or family member, we can gain some much-needed perspective. Just knowing that someone else is in our corner can make all the difference. As stated above, we spend a lot of time in our own heads. Having someone else listen for a change can have a very cathartic effect.
Do a Puzzle.
Puzzles have been shown to reduce stress by giving our brains a much-needed break from the constant barrage of information that we experience on a daily basis. Whether it's a crossword, Sudoku or jigsaw, puzzles help to engage and challenge us in a low-pressure way. They can also be very soothing, providing a sense of accomplishment when we finally complete them!
Cook Something New.
The act of cooking can be very therapeutic. It gives us a chance to slow down and be in the moment. When we focus on the task at hand, it can help to clear our minds and reduce stress. Cooking also provides us with a sense of accomplishment when we see the end result of our efforts. And who doesn't love a delicious meal? So next time you're feeling stressed, try whipping up something new in the kitchen!
Take a Break from Technology.
In today's world, it's easy to become addicted to our devices. We are constantly bombarded with notifications, emails and the never-ending news cycle. It can be difficult to disconnect, but it's important to take a break from time to time. When we unplug, we give ourselves a chance to recharge and relax. So turn off your phone, log out of social media and take some time for yourself!
Clean, Mindfully.
We all know that a messy house can be stressful. But did you know that cleaning can actually help to reduce stress? When we clean mindfully, we focus on the task at hand and clear our minds of other worries. This can help to provide a sense of calm and order in our lives and also get the blood flowing a bit. So next time you're feeling stressed, put on some music and get to work! You might just find that the act of cleaning is therapeutic!
Watch a Funny Movie.
Laughter is one of the best medicines when it comes to stress relief. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. So next time you're feeling stressed, pop in your favorite comedy or watch a funny clip on YouTube. You'll be sure to get a good laugh – and some much-needed stress relief!
Play with a Pet.
Pets can provide us with companionship, love and laughter – all of which are important for reducing stress. When we play with our pets, we forget about our worries and focus on the present moment. This can help to lower our cortisol levels and improve our moods. So next time you're feeling stressed, take your dog for a walk or cuddle up with your cat!
Get Some Exercise.
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress. When we work out, our bodies release endorphins which can help improve our mood. Exercise also helps to increase our energy and improve sleep. But don't settle for the old standby, try something new. Golf, pickle ball, disc golf, and other types of leisure sports can help disrupt monotony and get our blood pumping as well.
Write It Down.
Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is to simply get it out of our heads. When we write down our worries, they tend to become less daunting. We can also use writing as a way to vent our frustrations and gain some perspective. So next time you're feeling stressed, grab a pen and paper and let it all out! You might just find that it's therapeutic!
Take a Hot Bath.
There's nothing like a hot bath to help you relax and unwind. The heat can help to soothe muscles and relieve tension. And the act of soaking in a tub can be very calming. So next time you're feeling stressed, draw yourself a hot bath and add some soothing aromatherapy. You'll be sure to emerge feeling refreshed and relaxed!
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it take over. These 12 unexpected ways to reduce stress can help you bust out of a rut and get back to feeling like your old self. If all else fails, take a bath!
If you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, remember that you're not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with stress. If you're struggling to manage your stress on your own, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
If you or a loved one are needing mental health support, Morningstar Counseling provides culturally competent mental health services for Native Americans in Nebraska. Email contact@morningstar-counseling.com for more information. If you are in an emergency or are experiencing a crisis please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.