Stress is a normal thing that can happen to everyone. It is a body’s response to certain challenges or demands. Everyone can experience stress and the trigger can come from various events, ranging from everyday small problems and major life changes.
These feelings might come and go, but they can interfere with daily life in the long run. If left untreated, stress will certainly get worse. It can even make it hard for you to sleep and concentrate on going through the day.
There are many ways to manage stress. However, we can find some ways to relieve stress healthily so that it can increase our likelihood to recover from it. As a result, we can relieve our stress and prevent it from building up, and affecting our mental or physical health.
Hug yourself
According to Licensed Professional Counselor, Tara Haidinger, this simple trick is an effective stress reliever. This is because we indirectly apply “gentle pressure” around the body which can calm our nervous system.
Grasp something special for you
You should choose something special, that you can bring around easily and take out whenever you feel too much. Hold onto the item when you feel stressed out and try to calm your mind. This method can help relieve stress and manage anxiety. Thus you will be less alone.
Imagine you are in a good place
One of the easiest and most effective ways to relieve stress in the short term is by focusing your mind and starting to imagine that you are at a good place that you like. For example, imagine yourself sitting on the beach, listening to the waves, and smelling seawater, for some people – these can help calm down at the time of stress. To do it, we can close our eyes and imagine these beautiful images.
Think of the sensory experience that we get when in that place and let ourselves feel there. After a few minutes, open your eyes and return to the moment. Keep in mind that everyone has a different idea of a good place. What you might think is good, might not be the same case for other people.
Meditation
Meditation not only becomes one way to relieve stress in the short term, but can also be effective stress management in the long term. Meditation need thorough practice. It might not be easy to do at first, but if you continuously try it – you will train your mind to do it better and it can make a big difference to your overall stress level.
Play jigsaw puzzles
Creativity can help you break out of your anxiety loop, and one simple way to do that is to play jigsaw puzzles. Assembling puzzles require you to be focused, which as a result will take your mind off the anxiety. You will also feel rewarded once you see the puzzle incomplete. Thus you feel good because you know you’ve accomplished something.
Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude can be difficult when you’re feeling anxious, but it’s very effective in releasing stress and tension. Practicing gratitude can help you feel calmer and more comfortable.
Practicing gratitude is so easy. You can start by noticing the good things in your life, such as the people around you, your jobs, your life currently, and many other things (including the small ones). Practicing gratitude is a fantastic way to shift your mindset to the positive things in life.
Utilize aromatherapy
Inhaling aromatherapy can be a way of relieving stress by helping us feel more energized, more relaxed, or more present at the moment. Several studies have shown that inhaling certain scents can change brain wave activity and reduce stress hormones in the body. Aromatherapy can be inhaled in various ways, such as through candles, diffusers, or body care products.
Drink more water
The human body needs water, this is because almost 70% of our body’s organs consist of water. This is also the case with our brains. This way, water is very important for our bodies. If there is a lack of fluids, the function of the body’s organs, especially the brain, will be disrupted. This is why, when we are dehydrated it will be much harder to manage our stress levels.
Lack of fluids and stress is a reciprocal relationship. Lack of fluids can cause stress because the organs of the body need enough fluids. If it is deficient, it can interfere with the work of these organs. Stress can also cause a lack of fluids, due to the influence of the hormones in the body.
Thus if you want to avoid stress, always pack up your personalized bottled water with your favorite design or quote, to ensure you have your water on hand constantly.
Make time for hobbies
Free time activities can be a good way to relieve stress. However, many people feel their lives are too busy for hobbies, games, or fun, and so often neglect them. Making free time for hobbies can be key to helping manage stress. Everyone’s joys and hobbies are different. Some people can find it through their hobby of gardening or playing music, while others have their pleasure. So, find your hobby to make your life better.
Build positive self-talk habits
How we talk to ourselves is an important aspect when looking for ways to relieve stress. Harsh self-criticism and self-doubt are not very helpful in managing stress. On the contrary, positive self-talk can help us see things positively. Optimistic and loving sentences can help us manage our emotions and take more positive action.