If you’ve been stressed recently, whether due to overwhelming circumstances, uncontrollable anxiety, or just life in general, you know that you’ll pretty much do anything to relieve some of that unwanted tension. There are many ways to deal with stress, and I’m here to tell you about a few of my favorite options.
When you need a break from stress, go on a drive. It’s always so relaxing to go out on the open road and jam to some fun music. Now, if you can’t drive, find a friend who can. Driving is very therapeutic for me, and it can be for you, too. However, if driving simply stresses you out even more because people on the road are unpredictable and crazy, maybe try something else on this list. You’ll be sure to find something.
Another one of the ways to limit stress is to put on some of your favorite music and just relax. It’s nice to sing along and just forget about what’s making you stressed. Music can offer peace and calm, even when it seems nothing else can.
In addition to driving and listening to music, another one of the best ways to pass time and relieve stress is on Google Earth. It may sound silly, but it can be very entertaining to explore the planet virtually on street mode. There are a lot of fun and interesting things that can be found while adventuring the streets of the world.
Another great way to decrease stress is by exercising. This could be by yourself or with friends. Putting physical stress on your body can actually relieve mental stress. Regular exercise can help lower stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep and self-image. This is also the same for sports. Sports can help relieve stress as you are focused on what you are doing, not other uncontrollable aspects of your life.
An additional way to limit stress is by simply laughing and hanging out with people you enjoy being around, such as friends and family. Being in the presence of those who make you happy can greatly relieve stress and anxiety. Even if you’re by yourself, just taking a moment to focus on breathing is enough to help calm you down and minimize some of the unnecessary stress. All things considered, being present in the moment and focusing on things in your life that you enjoy will aid in relieving tension.
Play with a pet. It’s nice to just take a break from whatever is stressing you out by having some fun with a sweet animal. Whether that be with a dog, cat, or even a horse, you can improve your mental health and reduce stress by owning a pet, according to a 2016 survey of 2,000 pet owners. The survey was conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and revealed that 74% of the pet owners experienced mental health improvements from owning a pet. Animals can also add a level of structure and routine to your life, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Another way to lessen stress is by getting a good amount of sleep. Neuroscientist and author Matthew P. Walker, PhD, strongly believes that sleep is our “superpower.” According to one of his 2017 sleep studies, people who are sleep deprived are more likely to respond to negative stimuli in the environment than those with a proper night’s sleep. Just by sleeping regularly, you can improve concentration, calm and restore your body, and boost your mood. You can better respond to stress when you are well rested. Sleep also lets you take a break to relax and not worry. Giving yourself time to cool down, whether with a full night’s sleep or a small nap, can greatly lower your stress levels.
You can also limit stress by having fun while being entertained. This could be from a movie, TV show, or even the amazing Crimsonian website! There is so much to do and see on television and on the internet. Countless and countless hours of entertainment are available for you to take advantage of daily. In fact, doing something as simple as looking up the “best websites to waste time” will give you loads of fun and interesting websites that you could use as entertainment to reduce stress.
Avoid overcomplicating and worrying about things out of your control. It’s really that simple. You, by yourself, cannot control everything that has happened or will happen to you in life. If you learn to take what life throws at you and try to make the most of it, you will experience decreased stress and anxiety levels. This is because you are not the one attempting to have power over everything anymore. When you let life be experienced the way it was meant to be, stress is relieved. More importantly, living becomes easier, and everything just makes sense.