Stress levels are different for everyone. On a scale of 1 to 10, someone’s 7 could be another’s 3. It all depends on what you can handle. Either way, everyone has to deal with stress at some point or another. The question of how you do it is another story. I did a little research to find out how people work to tolerate their stress and I found a list from The Mayo Clinic. While I do agree with some of these, other’s I think don’t work at all. So… I have created my own Stress Reliever Top 10.
10. Use A Journal
Writing out our deepest thoughts is sometimes more helpful than it may seem. No matter how awful those thoughts are, writing them out may save you from actually performing them. Also, it doesn’t even have to be writing. Drawing is a great way to get out stress. It could be nothing but scribbles and circles, and it could still help. This is your private book. No one will read it. Whatever you want goes in. It’s an outlet to getting out anything you may be feeling. It’s also your choice whether or not you want to keep it. Some people find it therapeutic to throw it out to symbolize the removal of the toxins from your life.
9. Talk To Friends
Some people say this doesn’t help them, but for most it does. One of the upsides to having friends is having people to talk to. Does talking have to be about the stress you’re enduring? No. It can be about anything. Talk about movies, crushes, anything. Whatever it is, it will help keep your mind off of the thing you’re stressing about. If the thing you want to talk to them about is the stress, then just getting it off your chest may relieve some tension.
8. Avoid Drinking
One of the most common and easiest stress relievers is alcohol. While many people truly enjoy a fine glass of wine with a fine meal, or a special event may call for a glass or two of champagne, most people consume alcohol after work either as a way to unwind or as a social tool. Excessive consumption, of course, can lead to health problems. However, drinking is not the only potentially harmful way of coping with stress. There are other things that are just as harmful. It’s very important to stay healthy in times of stress and make good choices when it comes to drinking. If this part of your life is not in control, managing your stress will be almost impossible.
7. Exercise
Many people exercise to control weight and get in better physical condition to become more healthy or physically attractive, but exercise and stress management are also closely linked. Now if you’re like me, you have no stamina at all and think this is the worst idea. But, exercise provides a distraction from stressful situations, as well as an outlet for frustrations, and gives you a lift with a surge of endorphins as well. Whether it’s a walk around the park, or signing up for a big race, do something physical and set goals. You’ll do big things and get rid of big stress at the same time.
6. Music
Music therapy has shown numerous health benefits for people with conditions ranging from mild issues, such as stress, to severe ones, such as cancer. When dealing with stress, the right music can actually lower your blood pressure, relax your body and calm your mind, especially slow, quiet classical music. However, everyone is different. If hardcore gangster rap is your thing, give it a shot and see how it works.
5. Watch Television
I know what you’re thinking, when the heck do you have time to watch television when you have so much going on? It doesn’t have to be for a long time, but even just 30 minutes can help. It doesn’t matter the genre of show, just something that you enjoy and can get lost in. For many people, that could be something funny. For others, they prefer to get lost in a good crime drama. Whatever it is, enjoy it and for the length of that show, and forget everything negative you’re dealing with.
4. Sleep
It is so important to get your sleep. Most people need 8 hours, but some doctors say adults can run off of about 6. It all depends on the person. Make sure to set a day where you are sure to be able to sleep in, or go to bed early. If you know you have a free day coming, make sure to not book anything during that time! Use it to rest and get yourself back up and running.
3. Read
I can’t even begin to explain how relaxing it is to dive into a good book. A lot like the television, you don’t need to do it all day, but take a few moments to read just a chapter. It doesn’t even have to be a book. It can be a magazine, or an article. Whatever it is, use it to escape the reality you’re facing. Just make sure you don’t get so sucked in you forget what you still have to do. I’ve been there and it can make things a little more difficult. This step takes a lot of self control.
2. Cook
This is one of my favorite things to do when I am stressed. While a lot of people like to work out, or punch something to get out the stress, I like to chop things up. As morbid as it sounds, using a knife to chop up an ingredient is a great feeling. All your pent up frustrations go into the knife and out comes some nice looking minced onion. Loose yourself into your cooking to make your friends and/or family an incredible and healthy meal.
1. Breath
It’s inevitable that you’ll be faced with stressful situations. A quick way to calm down is to breathe in….and breathe out. Even if it seems a little silly, try it. I use this all the time, and find it works great.
We all have those moments when we just want to stop what we’re doing and plop on the couch and veg out right? Well next time that happens, try watching one of these shows. I have created for you a timeline of, what I think, are 10 of the greatest feel good television shows ever. You may agree with some and think I am crazy for inputting others. I have personally watched all of these, and in one way or another, they help. So click and enjoy. 🙂
Life, Love, and Confusion 