I get it, you’re stressed.
A 7-day tropical vacation might be just what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, you’re out of vacation time, and your bank account is a little light. Sound familiar?
It’s a situation that many of us busy moms face. Thankfully, there are many ways to de-stress that don’t require a passport of a stash of extra cash.
It’s important to deal with stress when you feel it coming on. Stress isn’t only damaging to your mental state — it can harm your health, too. So you should address it directly, and learning to effectively relieve your stress is a useful skill that can be applied throughout your life.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelming pressure and anxiety, you can use these tips to quickly and effectively de-stress.
Let go of your stress and fully enjoy life with these 10 tips:
1. Drink black tea.
Black tea has been shown to lower cortisol levels and increase feelings of relaxation.
2. Get spiritual.
Those that explore their spirituality regularly often report doing so for the stress relief it provides. A study with college students showed that students who engage in prayer and meditation had lower levels of stress.
3. Exercise.
Use up that extra energy and enjoy the post-exercise endorphin rush.
4. Distract yourself for a few minutes.
It might not solve your troubles, but surfing the internet or calling a friend for a few minutes can provide a little relief. Keep track of the time so you don’t get behind schedule.
5. Breathe deeply.
Deep breathing can temporarily lower blood pressure and increase your sense of well-being.
6. Close your eyes.
With your eyes closed, it’s easy to allow your imagination to wander to a happy place. Give yourself a needed break by imagining yourself at the beach or in another peaceful setting.
7. Relax your muscles one at a time.
Take a moment to flex and relax each muscle individually. Start at one end of your body and move to the other.
8. Take a walk.
A walk takes you out of your stressful environment. You can clear your head and get a little exercise at the same time. Make a nightly walk part of your routine. A walk during your lunch hour can be helpful, too.
9. Unplug. Leave the TV off.
Put your phone on silent and stick it in the drawer. Keep your laptop closed. Spend an evening without any electronic devices. Consider an evening spent with a good book and a glass of wine. A fire wouldn’t be a bad idea.
10. Get some extra sleep.
Limit your caffeine late in the afternoon and head to bed an hour early. Ensure that you won’t be disturbed. Turn your alarm clock around so you can’t see the time. A mid-day nap can also be a great way to reduce stress. If you’re fortunate enough to have the option of sleeping for 30 minutes in the middle of the day, consider yourself lucky.
11. Chew gum.
Studies have shown that chewing gum reduces the levels of chemicals associated with stress. It might reduce your appetite, too. Blowing bubbles is optional, but can add to the enjoyment.
12. Engage in positive self-talk.
You stress yourself with your thoughts and the words you say to yourself. Choose uplifting words and you’ll feel better. How would you reassure a child that’s stressed? Talk to yourself in the same manner.
Stress is a part of life. It can’t be avoided, but how much you suffer is under your control.
Add a few stress-busting tips to your psychological tool belt. Use them whenever you start to feel stressed. The best time to address stress is in the early stages. The quick application of an effective technique can increase your happiness and productivity.
I want to hear from you!
What are some of your favorite ways to quickly de-stress? Please join the discussion in the comments section below.
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Comments 17
Breathing deeply definately helps!
These a great tips. I’m always stressed out. Thanks for posting!
I could really use some destressing right now.
This is a wonderful feature to read and thanks so much for the great tips on how to destress.We all have stress at one time or another from all the daily challenges we face.
I de-stress by exercising, taking a long hot bath (with the door locked so no one can bug me), and through pray (or meditation). I also try to keep things in perspective. I can get caught up in things and stress over really minor stupid things.
These are all wonderful tips for helping you de-stress, thank you so much for sharing! 🙂 I used to love doing Yoga when I only had one kid, but now that I have three so close in age I love to clean for my exercise!
These are great tips!
These are all great ideas. I get so stressed over money and need av way to calm down.
Great post! I find I put more and more stress on myself. I will put into practice many of your tips, I know 2017 will be a better year!!
I need all the de-stressing tips I can get! Thanks!
These are great tips.
I need more of this in my life. As a single working mom, I am super stressed out and I feel so overwhelmed at times. This is a great list of things I could and should be doing more often! Thank you!!
I have an app on my phone that helps me manage my stress! I “check in” and select how I am feeling, and it recommends relaxation techniques or walks me through a simple meditation to bring balance back into my life/being. Its been a life saver!
Exercise is one of my favorite ways to destress. When I remember to do it, lol. My newest form of stress relief is our new kittens. Playing with them and hearing them purr has been an awesome way to relax after a hard day at work. You have a really great list!
As we enter into the busy holiday season, I find myself already getting anxious and stressed. I’m happy to know that I’m not to only one to talks positively to myself! I find these pep talks to be really beneficial. I wish I could get more sleep –maybe that is what I need to focus on in the next few weeks.
These are awesome. I have a hard time destressing, so I am definitely going to try a few of these!
Unplugging and getting extra sleep are things that I try to do as often as possible. However, I do wish I could disappear on a 7 day vacation! * wink wink *