While juggling family, work, and hobbies it is important to make sure you take time for yourself. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to unwind and relax.
Stress increases cortisol in your body which can have a negative impact on your health. In fact, WebMD says increased cortisol levels can “lead to a number of health problems, including headaches, heart disease, problems with digestion, trouble sleeping, weight gain, memory and concentration problems,” along with “anxiety and depression.”
Here are ten ways to unwind and relax.
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1. Write
One of the best ways to unwind and relax and to decrease stress if to express your feelings is through writing. “Some people feel more relaxed after they write about their feelings,” WebMD explains. Writing can be relieving if you want to reflect about something going on.
2. Bond with a Pet
Interacting with a pet can help reduce your anxiety and give you someone to bond with. The Mavern Circle explains “taking care of a pet can help you deal with anxious fear and a sense of aimlessness.” Even watching fish swim can reduce stress and bring observers to a calm state. “After watching marine life at the National Marine Aquarium, participants had a reduction in both heart rate and blood pressure,” IFL Science reported.
Being with nature can bring you to a peaceful state.
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3. Warm Yourself up
Take time to warm your body. Warming your body can help loosen your muscles. WebMD recommends “soaking in a warm bath” to relax the mind.
4. Avoid Caffeine Drinks
At times when you are very busy and tired it can be tempting to go for a heavily caffeinated beverage. There are however healthier drink options which hydrate you and fuel you with energy. “Caffeine is a stimulant,” The Mavern Circle explains, “While caffeine may not be the cause of your panic attacks, it could definitely make things worse.”
5. Listen to Music
Another way to relax is by listening to music. Active says listening to music can “slow down breathing and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and relax tense muscles.” It is also encouraged you listen to slow songs. “Slow tempos in particular can induce a calm state of mind,” Active explains.
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6. Get outside
“If weather permits, getting outdoors in nature has many health benefits, including lowering your stress levels and blood pressure,” Entrepreneur explains. Going outside and being with nature gives you a sense of self. Entrepreneur says being outside can even increase your creativity levels. Breaking up your day and taking a break outdoors can be a rewarding experience.
7. Exercise
Moving your body will help you feel better. “Exercise helps to boost endorphins and reduce stress and research shows that 20 minutes each day is all that is needed to experience benefits,” Active says. Participating in physical activities and sports can reduce your stress and provides health benefits.
8. Think about Why You Are Doing the Task
Try to think about the situation at hand and focus on the resolution. Thinking through a process will help you get to your finished goal. “Serotonin is released whenever you reflect on meaningful events and achievements from the past,” Entrepreneur reports.
9. Try Aromatherapy
One way to use aromatherapy scents is to incorporate them into massages. Active says, “getting a massage is a great way to free yourself of tension and relax, and adding aromatherapy oils such as chamomile or lavender can be particularly beneficial.” Aromatherapy scents can also be found in several different forms including oils, lotions, and candles. Aromatherapy scents are even available in car diffusers.
10. Sleep
One significant way to decrease stress is to sleep. “Go to bed early and make sure that you get seven to nine hours of sleep every night to maintain a healthy mind,” The Maven Circle advises.
Allow your body and mind time to rest because you will need to regain your energy for what each day brings.