Relax and Destress: Tips that May Help.

Feeling stressed, or mentally and physically tired? That's okay, everyone gets like that sometimes.

These feelings may just be your body telling you to take a break, even just for a short while.

Here are ten simple and easy things you can do to relax and destress.

Photo credit: Faith Bugeja

Calming night sky.

#10. Pause, breath, and appreciate the things around you.

Life can be busy, but even taking a small two minutes out of your day to pause and breath is a great way to calm your mind.

All you need to do is stop what you are doing, look away from what is stressing you out, and focus on your breathing and how you feel.

Tip: Want to try or learn meditation? Use the balance app and get a one year free trial :)

#9. Scream (into a pillow).

If you have no-one around you try screaming into a pillow.

By doing this, we are letting all our built up emotions out, using it as a way to let things go.

By the end of it all, screaming usually leaves you feeling calmer than you were before.

Further information on this topic: Scream Therapy

#8. Listen to music you like.

Music is a powerful tool to help aid in relaxation.

So whenever you are feeling stressed and want a easy way to relax and enjoy it at the same time, choose a song you like and just listen to it.

Put earphones in if you need, this can help block out background noise that may prevent you from feeling calm and relaxed.

"Music is effective for relaxation and stress management." - University of Nevada, Reno.

#7. Our pets and animals

If you have a pet animal cherish them. Take time to spend with them and provide each other comfort and relaxation.

Multiple studies show that animal interaction helps to aid in relaxation and calming of the mind.

According to Health Direct, "patting a pet can ease stress and reduce your blood pressure. Even watching fish swimming in an aquarium reduces stress."

If you don't currently have a pet that's okay, maybe look outside your window or look up at the sky and admire the birds and their unique and funny nature (that's what I do).

Photo credit: Faith Bugeja

Photo taken in my backyard of a honeyeater bird on a rainy day.

#6. Writing on paper

Writing down how you feel is a great way to express your emotions quietly. It is also a great way to relieve stress.

Sometimes writing what you feel on paper can even leave you feeling encouraged or inspired to act on the thing that is causing you to feel a particular way.

#5. Go outside

When you wake up it is a useful thing to go outside and get some sunlight on your skin (Vitamin D) and embrace the fresh air.

Even if it is a cloudy day, admire the clouds, the breeze, and all the little things.

Going for a walk is also a good idea. But if you can't go outside of your house, even just go out in your backyard, at least you can see the sky :)

#4. Take a break off technology

Spending too much time on technology may be another reason you are feeling tired or stressed.

I know technology is used to do school work, normal work and many other essential things in today's society, however limiting screen time is the key to balancing work and also having time to relax.

As you may already know the blue light from our technology screens can cause our eyes to become sore after a while.

The ACAP says, "Not only does staring at a screen for hours every day cause eye strain, but it’s also psychologically taxing and can leave us feeling tired and frustrated."

So maybe tonight try not to go on your phone at least an hour before bed, and instead of reaching for your phone when you wake up....

Take time first to have a moment of relaxation before starting your day.

#3. Stretch

Stretching before bed and when you wake up is a very important thing to do even if you're not someone who works out.

Stretching your body helps release tension in your muscles and makes you feel less constricted and more comfortable.

Also try to avoid sitting down for a long period of time. Getting up and moving around at least once every hour is a good habit to build.

#2. Sleep early

I know a lot of people struggle to fall asleep. This is common.

But even just laying in bed in the dark with no distractions is a way to get your body into a better routine rather than staying up because you 'know' you won't fall asleep.

It gives your body time to calm down, relax, and release all that stress you have been holding onto throughout the day.

Getting a good nights sleep can leave you better prepared for whatever you may have to do tomorrow.

#1. Watch the sunset

Watching the sunset has made it to number one on the list for being the most convenient and easy thing we can do to destress and relax.

The sunrise may be too early for some of us to wake up and watch, but the sunset may be a bit easier to see.

It is something that is calming on the eyes, with its amazing scenery of multiple shades of different colours. The best thing is, it's something you don't have to pay to see.

"Watching the sun set slowly behind the horizon can help you slow down, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature, which can help reduce your stress levels." - Ambong Ambong

Maybe tonight encourage yourself to go and watch the sunset either by yourself, or with friends and family :)

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Conclusion:

While the daily stresses of life can build up and sometimes become overwhelming, it is essential to take a break and have time for yourself.

I hope these ten simple tips become useful things to help you destress and relax in your life.

Photo credit: Faith Bugeja

Sunset at a rural country side (Halls Gap)