Stress is inevitable and while experiencing it occasionally is normal, it can affect your health if it takes over you. Social injustices, natural disasters, work tasks, an argument with your spouse – there are literally thousands of ways stress can get to you. Any negative things in your personal life or the world can negatively impact your wellbeing, leaving you feeling wound up.
You’ll most likely have to face stressful situations more often than you’d like. And while sometimes you can’t control the things that trigger stress, you can learn how to manage those situations better. Chronic stress can be detrimental to your physical and mental health, so it’s vital to learn how to unwind after you’ve had a nerve-racking day.
Here are some things that may help you reset:
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Take a hot and relaxing bath
Baths can work wonders after a stressful day. It’s like they wash away the burdens weighing down on you. Taking a hot bath can be an excellent way of unwinding, as it makes you feel refreshed.
Why do baths have this magical effect upon you? As you soak in the warm water, your body releases endorphins. These chemicals relieve stress and improve your mood.
On top of that, warm water can also soothe your sore muscles. And there are many other benefits we bet you don’t know about. A hot bath can lower your blood pressure, reduce cold symptoms and help you sleep better. Once you get out of your bathtub, you’ll feel more at ease.
Immerse yourself in a book
Books allow you to escape to fantasy worlds when life gets tough. So, if you want to forget for a while about the real-world drama, curl up with an interesting book and unplug for a while. This will help you get your mind off the things stressing you out.
Pick whatever genre resonates with you the most. You can choose a motivational book that encourages you to keep pushing through all the challenging times. Or perhaps a thrilling story that draws you into the fantasy world is more appealing to you. It really doesn’t matter what genre you choose as long as you immerse yourself in the story.
Practice meditation
Meditation is really popular nowadays, and there’s a reason for it, as it has plenty of benefits. It can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety and stress levels. You don’t have to take meditation classes – many online resources can teach you the principles.
You can either use a guided meditation on YouTube (there are plenty of them) or an app, such as Calm or Headspace. Meditation teaches you to detach from your thoughts and simply observe them. You learn that you don’t have to label them and see them only as a string of words passing through your mind. During a meditation session, you focus on the present moment and your breath. That helps you unwind by freeing your mind off stressful thoughts and worries related to the future or past.
Write your thoughts in a journal
It’s hard to look at things objectively when your emotions overwhelm you. Writing down your thoughts can help you process those strong feelings and clear your mind. You can easily get caught up in catastrophic scenarios when dealing with stress. But as you put your worries on paper, you create space and thus, you can look at things from a more realistic perspective.
Plus, writing may also help you figure out some things, as you get a clearer picture of the situation stressing you out. For instance, if you feel angry at someone, that might be a sign that you should set clear boundaries with the person.
Create a relaxing environment in your home
Your home environment can impact your mood more than you think. It can make you feel either relaxed or increase stress. Many factors could influence your mood, such as organization, décor, lighting, smell, etc. So, if you feel like you get more tense when you enter your home, consider making some changes.
A relaxing home will make it easier for you to unwind after a chaotic day. There are some simple ways to make your house more serene, such as aromatherapy. It’s really popular these days, and there seems to be a good reason for it, as research has shown. It helps reduce stress, improves sleep and even boosts your immune system.
So, once you get home, put on some comfy clothes like bamboo pajamas and loungewear and light up some scented candles. These two things combined can get you into a more calming state.
Take a nap
In times of stress, napping can be a good way to ease stress. You don’t want to make it a habit, though – if you take regular naps during the day, it might decrease your productivity. Plus, napping before the actual bedtime can impact your sleep schedule.
Take naps only when you are too tired, and it’s necessary for you to rest. They will reenergize you, and thus, you’ll wake up with a clearer mind. Napping will also improve your problem-solving skills, and it will be easier to think of solutions for the issues that make you feel distressed.
Connect with your loved ones
Humans are social beings- they are wired to connect with others. Having a strong support system can help you considerably during tough times. You can unwind after a stressful day by spending time with your loved ones, whether they are a family member or a friend. Cuddling with a pet also has psychological benefits – it reduces stress levels, thus, making you more relaxed. The unconditional love of a furry friend will help you forget about your worries for a while.
A famous proverb says:” A problem shared is a problem half solved”. You can talk to a friend or a family member about what’s making you feel stressed. That way, you release your emotions instead of bottling them up. People don’t need advice all the time, and they don’t always expect others to come up with solutions to their problems. Sometimes a listening ear is all that someone needs.
