Life comes with stress. It doesn’t matter what you do. There are always stressors. It is unavoidable. We don’t have a choice, but we can choose to eliminate that stress. There are many techniques out there to teach ourselves to relax and enjoy our time off the clock. Try some of these and see what works best for you.
Exercise
The most common way to de-stress is to get your blood pumping. Exercise at any level can be beneficial. It doesn’t have to be running a marathon. A simple walk can do the trick. The Mayo Clinic supports this. They report that being active will boost endorphins and distract us from our worries. Start slow if this is new. Take a walk around the neighborhood, or try beginner exercise classes. There are so many options.
Un-Plug
All day we are glued to our devices. Our minds are on overdrive from all the screens we use. When you get home, take a few hours away. Turn your phone onto airplane mode and relax. Things can wait while you reset your mind. Dr. Harrison writes about ways these devices add to our stress. With everyone detailing their lives online, we are comparing ourselves. Causing stress when we feel we are not matching up. Take a time out every day to appreciate yourself without all the outside world getting thrown at us all day.
Hobbies
Get a hobby. Find something that you genuinely enjoy doing. And make time for it regularly. We have to work, that is just the way it is. There are so many things we don’t have a choice in. It’s nice to be able to do something we want to. Check out from all the stress of the day by enjoying yourself with a hobby of your choosing.
Talk
Talking things out can help you feel better about them. Get together with a close family member or friend, and talk. As you discuss the things that are causing you stress, you may see them in a different light. Just hearing your thoughts put into words could change how you feel. Listening to the opinions of someone you trust can also put you at ease. Getting things off our chest is always a great way to de-stress.
Entertainment
To de-stress, we need to get our minds on other things. Entertainment is a great way to do this. Why not relax watching someone else’s drama in your favorite reality TV show? After seeing their lives fall apart, your problems may not seem all that big. Watching a comedy and bringing in some laughter could help you to forget about work. Or try listening to some music. Lay back and listen to your favorite station. Soon you will feel your whole body relax and the stress disappearing.
What works for one person may not work for another. We all have different personalities. It may take trying a few things or a combination to eliminate our stress after a long day.