If there’s one thing a good majority of us have in common in the aftermath of 2020 and COVID-19, it’s that we have some seriously stressful days. Whether you’re working from home and juggling your duties with the kids’ virtual learning or you just spent 45 minutes stuck in traffic on the way home after a stressful Monday at the office, finding a good way to de-stress is important.
In fact, according to a study published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, long-term stress can actually damage your health. If your day was hectic and you need to find a way to relax, check out these great products and helpful tips that may help you decompress.
1. Unplug & Disconnect
Truth be told, a lot of your stress likely comes from the outside world. After that long and stressful day, turn off your phone, put away the tablet, and shut down the computer. Unplug from the online world for an hour.
And this doesn’t mean it’s time to watch the news on TV. Shut out the outside world and have a glass of wine or whiskey, a nice cocktail, a cup of stress-relief tea, take a dose of relaxing CBD from CBDfx, take a nice walk, or use the time to exercise.
While it may seem like swiping through Twitter and Facebook is actually your relaxing time, research completed by Pew Research showed that social media use can lead to higher levels of stress. Therefore, taking the time to unplug and disconnect has the potential to help you relax. Especially after a particularly stressful day.
2. Slow it Down
Going “old school” is a great way to de-stress. Try writing a physical letter to someone or be a pen pal and sponsor for a child overseas. Take up sewing, grow an indoor garden, play some solitaire with a real deck of cards, or rekindle your love of painting or writing.
Instead of using your tablet or iPad, pick up an actual book and read a few chapters. Join a book club to get the latest bestsellers or visit the library or local bookstore to pick up an “oldie but goodie.” Escaping into the pages of a good story can help you relax and forget the issues of the day.
Life can be hectic, to say the least, and slowing down with a new hobby or distracting task can not only help with stress levels, but it can also be fun.
3. Pro Tip — Take Five
Or better yet, take 10 or 15 minutes to yourself and try the following:
4. Self-Massage
Massaging your neck, shoulders, head, and lower back can help kickstart your de-stressing routine. Of course, this is even nicer if you have a significant other to do it for you, but even a short self-rubdown can work wonders.
5. Go Deep
Starting at your toes and slowly working up to your head, one-by-one tense and relax every muscle in your body.
6. Deep Breaths & Counting DO Help
Try taking a deep breath, hold it for 5-seconds and slowly exhale while counting to 10. Do this 5 – 10 times and envision the tension and stress flowing out of you with each breath.
7. Grab a Siesta
A 30-minute nap can be a big step towards relaxing and enjoying the rest of your day or evening.
8. Easy Listening
Turning on some music specifically produced for chakra and meditation for 10 – 15 minutes or listening to a calming playlist on your phone can help set the mood for the tips above.
Everyone experiences at least some level of stress at various points in their lives and knowing how to relieve it can be invaluable. When you need to relax or you feel your stress levels creeping into the danger zone, keep today’s products and tips in mind and calm things down a level or three.
