6
WATCH TV OR A MOVIE
Doing something that gets your mind off your situation like watching TV is a great stress reliever because you don’t have to put much effort into it. The only effort on your part is to actually pay attention to the show you’re watching and really get interested in it. Make sure you’re not dwelling on other things while you’re doing this or else it will totally defeat the purpose. And don’t just watch any TV show or movie, but make sure it’s something boring, like a long ongoing TV series or dull drama. No nightly news or anything that might stress you out even more. Save the news for your morning routine.
5
READ A BOOK
Reading a book is great depending on whether or not you enjoy reading. If you already aren’t much of a reader, or if you have a touch of ADHD, then reading a book might not work for you because it takes extra effort to stay attentive. Otherwise, reading a great way to clear your mind and really hone into something outside of your own problems and situation. Reading really allows you to step into another world and imagine life from someone else’s perspective. Also, if you’re reading at night, make sure you’re warm, comfortably seated, and that the lighting isn’t too bright.
4
DAYDREAM
Anything that gets you into a daydreaming mode is excellent for slowing down your heart rate and relieving stress. You can start off with reading a book or watching a movie and then gradually and simultaneously go in and out of daydreaming. Daydreaming is an excellent way to mentally get out of your stressful environment. You could be having the worst day yet look forward to your down time when you will have the opportunity to daydream. And the best thing about this particular method is that you can even do it while you’re in the midst of a stressful situation. It’s often said that daydreamers are the happiest people.
3
SIP SOME TEA
Not all teas are calming, but the generally safe ones to stick with include chamomile, lemon balm, and passion flower. Especially if it’s in the evening and you’re getting ready to watch a boring movie or read a long book, you’ll want to pair your activities with a warm mug of tea (avoid adding too much sugar). Teas are extremely soothing for the stomach and there’s a strong scientific correlation between the gut and mental health. This is why many people find chamomile tea effective for helping them fall asleep (not a good option if you’re getting ready to give a speech).
2
GET A MASSAGE
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a luxurious massage every time you’re under stress. There are extremely effective and affordable shiatsu massaging machines that can achieve similar results. When you’re stressed or anxious, your muscles begin to tense up and your body starts to stiffen. What you’ll want to do is get rid of those knots by using a back massager or having your spouse assist you in physically massaging them out. You’ll start to feel looser and more relaxed and most importantly, you’ll also begin to realize that you have the power to reduce your stress.
1
TALK IT OUT
Get a girlfriend, mom, or sibling on the phone and have a good heart-to-heart conversation. You don’t even need to talk about whatever issues you’re going through. Just talk about life in general, laugh about ridiculous things, reminisce about the good times, etc. However, make it a point to avoid getting into any petty arguments or heated debates that will add to your stress. The point of the conversation is to come out of it feeling good. Healthy relationships can truly be therapeutic and, vice-versa, good conversations can help build healthy relationships. You don’t have to pay a therapist to help you feel better.