Doesn’t it feel as if we don’t have a choice when it comes to getting stressed? It happens to all of us. Our natural instincts produce a “fight or flight” response when handling hard situations. Our bodies react, heart rate increases, we breathe heavily and blood vessels constrict. Our minds react, too. But what if there was another option? Just as we can (and do) get stressed, our bodies have the ability to de-stress, physically and mentally. Below are 20 ways to flow into that relaxation state of mind.
- Exercise: walk, run, skip, hop. Get moving!
- Drink a cup of chamomile tea.
- The three B’s: Bath, Book, Booze.
- Breathe deeply for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Eat a healthy snack.
- Visualize a peaceful environment (close your eyes!)
- Step away from the screen.
- Try a different screen: Video Games. A relaxing one, please.
- Give someone a hug for at least 20 seconds. Seriously!
- Put on relaxation music: spa sounds or soft classical.
- Treat yourself to a piece of chocolate.
- Turn off your phone for 5 minutes.
- Eat a banana (for the potassium).
- Yoga, child’s pose. Or any form of stretching.
- Write in your journal.
- Meditate.
- Cuddle with a pet.
- Chew gum.
- Soak in the sun and naturally get Vitamin D.
- Smile!
