Ways to De-Stress at Home
By: Carlee
1. Go for a Walk
Taking a walk after an aggravating day can help calm your mind and body in a few different ways. First of all, walking can trigger “involuntary attention.” This means that your attention is drawn towards things going on around you, like the sound of the birds or the wind, without effort from your conscious. These distractions can help clear your mind of everyday stresses. Walking can also boost endorphins that help reduce stress hormones in your body. Being outside improves energy levels and can even improve your memory and attention span. Altogether, walking outside has numerous health benefits and is a very effective way to de-stress.
2. Listen to Music
Music has a unique connection to emotion, so it’s no wonder why some music is effective for stress management. Researchers at Stanford University has even claimed that “listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication.” Stringed instruments, drums, and flutes are most effective at relaxing the mind and body. Sounds like thunder and rain can be highly relaxing as well. Not only is music good for relaxation, other types of music can make you feel more optimistic, can help you feel more alert, and can help your concentration.
3. Start Crafting
Another powerful way to combat stress is by finding a hobby, like crafting. Crafting can improve focus and is a great escape from high anxiety and stress. Crafting activities like knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitching work well for improving mindfulness because of the repetition of movement in a laid-back setting. The sense of accomplishment after a project has been finished can easily boost your self-esteem as well. There is an unlimited amount of things to create, and it will keep your mind from dwelling about a stressful day!
4. Keep a Journal
One of the oldest methods to reduce stress is by keeping a journal. Taking 20 minutes each day to write and explore your thoughts, feelings, memories, and situations is very beneficial. Writing about negative situations can help you find ways to solve a problem or add perspective on a problem. Writing about the positive experiences can make it easier to appreciate what you have. Keeping a journal boosts your creativity, but it doesn’t stop there. Some people prefer writing poetry, music, or stories to keep them stress-free.
5. Take a Bath
Baths can help comfort you after an upsetting day because of the combination of warm water, body positioning, and privacy. Taking a bath can have numerous health benefits aside from stress-free components. Baths can get rid of dead skin cells and causes of infection for people with certain skin conditions, like psoriasis and, when muscle pain and arthritis act up, baths can help relax muscles and block pain sensors. Taking a bath before bed can help you get a better night’s sleep. Adding epsom salts, essential oils, soaps, and other household items to your bath can improve mental and physical health conditions.
6. Buy House Plants
House plants have been proven to help de-stress your home (not to mention they purify your air). Plants can brighten a space and create a more relaxing environment. As we know from our first bullet point, spending time in nature is linked to lowering stress levels. This is why many people send plants to loved ones who have just experienced an injury or personal loss.
7. Cut Out the Electronics
It is no surprise that about 4.6 billion people worldwide are mobile phone users. Social media has added extra stress on our population more than ever, so a great way to avoid stress is by simply putting down your cell phone. Electronics are linked to sleeping disorders, depression, anxiety, and stress for a great deal of reasons. The guilt of not replying, lack of sleep, cyber-bulling, access to private information, and other various reasons have taken a big impact to society’s mental health. It is important that we limit on the time we spend in front of the screen.
References:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/03/national-walking-day-stress-relief-tips_n_2992972.html
http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-power-of-music-to-reduce-stress/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/13/5-ways-keeping-a-journal-_n_2671735.html
http://www.statista.com/statistics/274774/forecast-of-mobile-phone-users-worldwide/