We all get stressed sometimes. That feeling of adrenaline rushing through your body as you get overwhelmed by your surroundings. Sometimes the work load’s too much, sometimes deadlines feel impossible. No matter what the cause is, we all deal with stress.
However there are a few quick and easy ways to relax and destress, all proven and backed by psychotherapists and medical experts. So if you’re feeling the pressure, here are a few ways to relax your nerves.
1. Focus on your breathing
Focusing on your breathing is one of the first, quick ways to de-stress. All you need to do is sit down and consciously think about your breathing, slowing it down and and taking nice, long breaths in and out.
Another way to be conscious about your breathing when stressed is to time it. Breathe in for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, and exhale for four seconds. Then hold your breath for the same amount of time before repeating again. This will focus your mind on something other than the stressor at hand as well as relax your heartbeat.
2. Think about the good, rather than the bad
When you’re stressed all your mind can think about is how overwhelming the problem at hand is. This leads you to lose your focus and begin to think negatively. However, you can drown out your negative or stressed thoughts by thinking about what you’re grateful for, and how far you’ve come.
By focusing on much more positive thinking rather than negative, you can shift your focus and thus help yourself relax. You can do this by simply thinking about the things you’re grateful for or going a step further and journaling your gratitude, daily.
3. Exercise
If you’re really feeling the pressure you can always get up and spend a few minutes doing basic exercises. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, helping you feel better as well as be able to let off some steam quickly.
Getting up and doing a set of quick pushups or running for a few minutes are valid ways to relax yourself and feel better, allowing you to go back into the task at hand stress-free.
4. Stretch
Maybe exercise isn’t your thing. Then you can always get up and stretch yourself for a few seconds. Stretch your arms, rotate your back, and relax your neck. Then, sit back down and get right back to work. This method works really well for those who want to very quickly relax and focus on their work again. If you’re physically relaxed, it becomes easier to mentally relax.
5. Go for a walk outside
Like exercise and stretching, walking lets you blow off some steam and shifts your mind’s focus onto something good for you. If you walk outside you can get some fresh air and take in the beauty around you, all while getting in some form of cardio.
6. Do something constructive
If you really can’t handle the stress, stop whatever you’re doing, get up, and go do something you actually find fun. No matter what your hobbies are, whether they be baking, drawing, photography, or something else, if you enjoy it then do it. Letting off some stress through a constructive and creative outlet will help you regain your focus and relax, versus struggling to accomplish the task at hand due to your stress.
