De-stressing: How to and Why

In today’s modern world, it seems like everywhere you look, you can see people who are stressed out, frustrated and exhausted. The same applies to you as well. As a busy person, you go from one meeting to another, you struggle to meet deadlines, organize projects, and when you do come home, add the cooking, cleaning, ironing, etc., to the list. Very little time is left for rest and rejuvenation. After some time, you may begin to feel disillusioned and start questioning the purpose of what you are doing, and the toll this kind of lifestyle is taking on your health may not be visible, but it is surely ongoing. Increased stress puts you at risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and an overall reduced life-expectancy. However, all is not lost, as there are several things you can choose to do in order to reduce stress, which will be beneficial both to your physical and mental health. Make sure you find the time of day to take care of your own needs. This may seem selfish, as we are taught to think of ourselves last, but taking care of yourself will ultimately make you a better family member, employee and overall person. Here are some ideas on what you can do in order to drive the stress away:

1. Physical activity

You need to be more physically active in order to feel less tired. This may seem contradictory, but it is absolutely true. Exercise and physical activity supplies your tissues with oxygen and nutrients and improves your cardiovascular system. And the more efficient your heart and lungs are, the more energy you will have for your daily chores. Physical activity also stimulates various brain chemicals that may increase your feeling of happiness and peacefulness. In addition, when exercising regularly, you will feel better about yourself and your physical appearance, which, in turn, boosts your confidence and self-esteem. These are all more than sufficient reasons for you to go to the gym today, or if you feel more comfortable at your own home, you can find some excellent free workout videos on the internet and exercise at home.

Another solution you can try is yoga. Yoga reduces stress and anxiety, and it can boost your overall sense of well-being and help alleviate insomnia and depression. It can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. This is also an activity you can engage in from the comforts of your home, just make sure you follow precise guidelines and learn how to breathe correctly.

2. Destination relaxation

Another great idea is to use your free time to get away from home. You could always simply take a day off and stay at home, but taking a vacation will be much more beneficial. Treat yourself to a relaxing weekend once in a while, this will surely recharge your batteries a bit. If you can get away from work for a longer period of time, you should opt for visiting a health resort, where you can devote all your time and energy to relaxation and rejuvenation. If you have a specific medical problem, you can choose a specific resort tailored to those specific needs, but an overall de-stressing is what’s most advisable. What is also advisable is to visit the resort alone, as you will then be able to focus on nothing but yourself.

3. Pamper your body

There are also things you could do more frequently. After a long tiresome day at work, nothing feels better than soaking in a hot bath. Add bath salts, some essential oils or fragrant bubbles to your bath. You can use lavender, for example, since its wonderful scent helps with rejuvenation and relaxation. To make this experience even more relaxing, add some candles and turn on your favorite relaxing music; you may feel like you are in a spa. After that, you can give yourself a manicure and pedicure, or you can go to a beauty salon and let a professional do all the dirty work.

4. Pamper your mind

Put on your pajamas, make a cup of tea or hot chocolate, jump on you bed and get lost in a book. If books aren’t really your thing, pick up your favorite magazine, newspaper, or read a blog. Maybe watch a movie or try meditating. Meditation helps you lose your worries and is about letting yourself relax mentally. All you need is to find a quiet, peaceful place, sit down and close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing and let your worries float away.

5. Make someone happy

When you make someone laugh or you give someone a hand, may they be a complete stranger, you instantly feel good about yourself and so does the other person. So, learn to become more attentive to the needs of those around you and begin make the world a better place. Even though this piece of advice may sound too trivial, it will positively affect your mental health, make your blood pump a little faster, thus leaving you not only with a smile, but a little less stress and worry as well.