Being stressed out after a long day of work is very common. Stress is nowadays the main factor responsible for lots of diseases such as cancer or ulcer. We have quite a difficult time when it comes to knowing how to relax. We do it for two weeks each year and we think it’s ok.
If you want to be able to relax fast & easy you must have the right mindset. If you resist it with such things as “this won’t work”, “nothing happened”, “I don’t have time for this” and so on, you, my friend, are on the wrong path. So set a positive mindset about how good you will feel after you do the things listed below.
1. Listen to music
Old trick, but it works. Always listen to the opposite emotion that you’re felling: if you’re angry – listen to classical music, ambient and so on; if you are feeling blue, listen to something more energetic – maybe some punk (I like to listen to Linkin Park – it boosts my mood quickly).
2. Drink tea
If you are a tea addict like me, almost any type of strong tea will make you feel better. If you’re coming home after a long day at the office, back or green tea is not recommended. They have caffeine and if you drink them in the evening, you might have some trouble falling asleep – and this is not relaxation.
Infusions are the best option. Herbs such as camomile and linden leaves are known for their calming properties. Twinings has a mixed herbs tea that is meant to help you relax.
Related: Ways to Reward Yourself on a Weekly Basis
3. Massage
You might not have someone how’s always ready to give you a message, but there are some areas that you can massage yourself to relax.
Your face
Your eyes need some relaxation. You can use an old roll-on empty container to massage the under eye area. The roll-on eye products have a small metal ball that helps you apply the product; the metal is cold and it will help your eyes relax.
Your hands
Massage the cartilage between your thumb and index finger. Don’t press too hard. This method is known to help you calm down when you’re very anxious.
Your legs
Your legs are probably one of the most tired parts of your body after a long day. You can either message them (but it would be more relaxing if you would have someone else do it for you) or soak them in some hot water with some Epsom salt.
4. Work out
If you feel like you want to punch someone in the face, go ahead and hit it to the gym. You will release stress, you’ll feel better and your body will thank you. So, do some jumping jacks, push-ups for one minute or go for a really quick sprint. The dopamine will chick in and you will feel better.
I also find cycling very relaxing. Choose an area that is not crowded and go for it. Walking in a park or in a more private area will also help you relax.
Related: How to Get Over Stressful Periods of Time
5. Meditate
Meditation can be very difficult if you haven’t done it before. The simplest way to do it is to (besides sitting in the classic lotus position) to close your eyes and focus only on your breathing & nothing else! Put some background music to help you. There are lots of apps that teach how to meditate as well.
6. No technology
Turn off your phone and computer. A phone call or an e-mail from your boss might stress you out. It’s your quality time spent with yourself – make the best out of it.
7. Aromatherapy
Lavender is known for its calming properties. You can either infuse it to give a delicate, relaxing scent or put a few drops in your hot tub bath and enjoy it!
8. Oxygen
Oxygen can cure you of a headache. Open the window and let the fresh air to do its magic.
9. Quick talk
I know that for me there is no such thing as quick talk. At least not one that can last only 60 seconds.
But take a minute or two and call your grandparents or some friends or relatives that you haven’t heard in a long time. Just give them a quick call and ask them how are they and let them know you are doing well.
How do you relax when things get too much?
19 comments
I love to workout when I’m stressed, but a cup of tea is my go to. I drink about 18 million cups a day… Just the other day I came home and made a matcha green and coconut milk tea latte… Let me tell you the work day just melted away <3
xxox
Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com
I should try this as well, thanks!
I am a tea addict myself, but I never thought of coconut milk tea latte and I am crazy about coconut too.
Working out always relaxes me and reading.
I need to get back into tea-drinking! My senior year of college I went through a phase of trying to drink tea at night instead of having dessert. It can be very relaxing and I need to start that back up.
I am a tea addict and I find peace and quiet in every mug of tea I enjoy.
I really needed this right now. We’re in the middle of a couple crazy things and I’m having trouble sleeping because of all the things whirling around in my mind. It’s absolutely nutty and I’m nutty most of the time. It would be wonderful to use a few of these things to unwind. (PS I really wish you had a good Pinterest graphic so I could save this!)
Hope you’ll get through the crazy things soon.
Now that you’ve mentioned it, I’ll create a pin and I will update the blog post and I’ll leave a reply here, so that you know it’s available. Thanks for the input! <3
These are such great tips. No technology is such a tough one for me, but I’ve made it a goal to unplug for one whole day every week. So far I have NOT met that goal. I can drink tea and listen to music, though! At least I’ve got that going for me.
Haha, good luck achieving the “no technology day” goal! I’m sure you’ll make it!
Love these tips! Turning off technology really helps me focus of my family. Removing screen time and pulling out a board game is how we relax in my house. Thank you for sharing these!
Glad you like them, Elizabeth!
What a nice way to spend quality time with your family – playing broad games. I’m a huge board games lover and I hope I’ll get the chance to have the same habit as you one day.
Working out is always a great way for me to relax! 🙂
These are great tips. I find music very relaxing and use aromatherapy in my bedroom to help me relax and fall asleep. I definitely like listening to music in the car, it helps me stay relaxed and enjoy the journey.
I use aromatherapy during my pampering baths. Essential lavender oil does wonders!
Listening to music always helps me relax. I always have it on in the car when I get off work to calm me down after a stressful day.
I would like to listen to music or podcasts while walking to work, but I’m waiting for iOS10 to delete the featured apps to have enough space for my music, haha.
Great tips! I also find music very relaxing, as well as nature sounds (there are some great apps for those). I also find reading and meditation relaxing and calming.
Lovely list for tips on relaxing! I always try to breathe and focus on breathing when I’m stressed. I also love listening to music or soundscapes like thunderstorms, etc.
So glad you like them, Kiara!