Both Short and Long-term stress relief tips require a little more of your time. In the second part of this relief series we talk about more lasting changes you can add to each day. They are not as instantaneous as fast acting solutions. Short term relief can help reduce your feelings of stress for a longer period. These tips are something you can test out and add to your toolbox.
Long term stress relief is focused more on building healthy coping skills. These skills can be incorporated on a more regular basis. Maybe you already practice some of these. When you have the opportunity for these activities be sure to pay attention how you feel afterwards.
Short-Term Relief
Guided Imagery
There are a wide variety of guided imagery videos online. Maybe you want to be led to the beach or a magical rainforest. Whatever your preference, a guided imagery might be a good fit for you.
Practice Meditation
Meditation can be intimidating. It is often associated with silencing the mind which can be an out of this world idea. If you have stress, you know what it’s like to have that constant to-do list going on in your mind. Meditation can be as short as 5 minutes and helps to provide relief while allowing your mind a chance to relax.
Muscle Relaxation
This might seem strange, but it can bring awareness to areas in your body that are holding stress. Sometimes you start by scrunching your eyebrows and release, then your nose, and you move down the body until reaching your toes . A guided muscle relaxation helps to relieve body tension.
Get Outside
A quick 15-minute walk allows you to get up and get out. It gives your mind the chance to reset before getting back to activities or settling in for the day.
Long-Term Relief
Balanced Diet
It can be hard to focus on health when we are stressed out, but the foods we eat fuel our body and mind. Have you ever noticed how sluggish you feel after eating greasy food? Try incorporating a more balanced diet of whole foods.
Leisure Activity
Find a leisure activity you can add into your repertoire. It could be anything like gardening, helping a friend, or reading. Find something that you enjoy and practice it on a more regular basis. Making time for things that make you happy truly matters.
Positive Self-talk
Positive self-talk helps you focus on what you can do and what you have the power to accomplish. Tell yourself how great you look today, or how smart you are. You are worthy of some self-love.
Do Yoga
Have you ever tried it? It doesn’t have to be a long session. Whether it is 10 minutes or 60 minutes, it can help slow the body and mind. The internet has an abundance of yoga videos, with many on stress relief.
Express Gratitude
Express what you are thankful for either out loud or by writing it down. The daily acknowledgement of positive things in your life can have a big impact.
Try Exercise
Simply put, try to get some movement in. Exercise does not have to be going to a gym. You could try kayaking, running, kickboxing, or swimming. There are a ton of activities for physical movement, just be sure to find something that is right for you.