If you have been feeling stressed lately, you are not alone. Whether it is the kids, your job, elderly parents, or a friend going through a crisis, there is always something that is going to cause you a sleepless night; one might not be too bad, but one often turns into two, and two into a week, then there is an issue that needs to be tackled.
There are a few things that you can do to try and manage your stress levels by relaxing. To give you some ideas on how to get started, have a read below.
Vaping
When some people are stressed, they immediately go for a cigarette; the release of nicotine into the body starts a chemical reaction in the brain that enables the smoker to relax. While this is not the healthiest option on the list, it is also a habit that is hard to kick, particularly if you’ve been smoking for a long time.
There are now better alternatives to smoking in the form of e-cigarettes; they are often seen as a step-down for people who want to quit smoking, as you can control how much nicotine that you take in, as well as taste a variety of flavors from traditional tobacco to more fruity combinations. There are places wholesaling e-liquids to supermarkets and high street chains that are readily available to try if you’re stressed but still thinking about cutting back on cigarettes.
Read a Book
Losing yourself in a book is a traditional way to relax – unless you are reading the latest psychological thriller that has you on the edge of your seat and looking over your shoulder – but that is a different kind of unrelaxed state.
Why not take some time out to pick up your favorite book? You know the characters like they are your friends, and the setting is a second home; that feeling of familiarity might be just what you need to take a breath and get your mind off everything that is going on around you.
Take a Bath
Another traditional pre-sleep option is taking a bath. Why not treat yourself by setting the mood? Dim the lights, put your preferred scented candles on, get out those bath oils you’ve been saving for a special occasion, and put your favorite playlist on. Take an hour or two to pamper yourself.
You could always continue your pamper session out of the bath by giving yourself a pedicure, manicure, and maybe try that face mask that your Secret Santa gifted you; remember to include your favorite drinks and snacks as you go along.
Chat with Friends
Sometimes all you want is to have a good chat with those who are close to you, especially these days when you might not have been able to see them for a while. Maybe you’ve both been busy, and what you thought was an hour-long call the other day was a ten-minute chat three weeks ago.
Find a time that fits both of you to sit and talk either on the phone or via a video chat without a time limit in mind, so neither of you feels rushed, and you can reconnect in a way you didn’t realize you needed. You never know how much they might be needing to do the same.
Take a Walk
How many hours do you spend staring out of your window looking at the natural world rather than being part of it? Sometimes all you need is to take some time to step away from your tech, switch off your phone (but take it with you in case of an emergency), and go for a walk. If you live in the countryside, there will likely be plenty of places for you to walk without going far.
If you are in the city, you might need to do a little more research and planning to find somewhere to find an excellent hiking trail for you if you truly want to get out into the natural world. However, if you want to step away from your computer for a while, a walk around a block or two works as well.
Pets
Pets are known to have a calming effect, especially in times of high-stress. Dogs and cats are highly sensitive to what their owners feel and will often sense when you’re feeling stressed, and even if they’re not a particularly cuddly pet, you’ll find them either sat on you or close enough for a cuddle. Embrace that closeness and embrace them. It will help.
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