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12 Simple and Effective Tips to Relieve Stress and Ease Anxiety

Tips that can help ease that tension and make you feel more relaxed when you're at home

By Jen HenseyPublished 2 years ago 6 min read
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You're finally home after a long day of work, and all you want to do is relax and de-stress. But somehow, even with your favorite TV show waiting for you, the stress seems to follow you home.

Sound familiar? If so, don't worry – you're not alone! Millions of people worldwide suffer from stress and anxiety daily. In this blog post, The Mind Game Official explores some simple tips that can help ease that tension and make you feel more relaxed when you're at home.

Visit inspirational items to know more about how you can meditate better and relieve your stress!

Why do we feel stressed or anxious?

Before getting to our list of tips, we have first to know what is it that's causing our stress and anxiety in the first place.

Stress is our body's way of reacting to any situation – whether it's good or bad – that requires us to take action. When we experience something that makes us feel threatened or anxious, our bodies go into what's known as the "fight-or-flight" response.

But when you're trying to relax, the last thing you want is your body to be in a constant state of alertness! Here are some simple and effective tips that can help relieve stress and ease anxiety:

1. Get some exercise and eat healthily

Yes, we know it's easier said than done, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to combat stress. Exercise releases endorphins – known as the "happy hormone" – which help improve our mood and make us feel good.

Eating healthy foods helps fuel our bodies and minds, giving us the energy we need to get through the day. So if you're feeling stressed, try going for a run or taking a yoga class.

And if you can't seem to find the time to cook a healthy meal, there are plenty of quick and easy recipes out there that are both delicious and nutritious!

2. Talk to someone

We can't emphasize this enough: talking to someone – whether it's a friend, family member, therapist, or even a hotline – can do wonders for your mental health.

It allows you to let out all the pent-up emotions and thoughts that might be causing you stress and gives you a chance to see things from a different perspective. Sometimes, all we need is someone to lend a listening ear.

If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone in person, numerous helplines are available that can help provide support and guidance.

3. Get some sleep

As part of your healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep is crucial in managing stress. When we're tired, our bodies and minds are not functioning at their best, making us more prone to feeling stressed.

So make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep every night! If you have trouble falling asleep, here are some tips and tricks to get you in a sleepy mood:

  • Have a warm, adjustable light in your room
  • Read before bedtime
  • Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillow
  • Create a sleep schedule and stick to it

4. Have a self-care routine

After a long day at work, it's essential to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. This can look different for everyone, but some self-care ideas include taking a warm bath, reading your favorite book, or going for a leisurely walk outdoors.

Nowadays, people swear by having a skincare routine before bed. Wash your face, apply some toner and moisturizer, and take a few minutes to massage your temples. You'll not only be relaxing but also taking care of your skin!

The most important thing is that you're doing something that makes you happy and helps you forget about your stressors – even if it's just for a little while.

5. Ditch the caffeine

Caffeine has long been known to cause anxiety and restlessness, so it's best to avoid it if you're trying to relax.

If you can't live without your cup of coffee, try switching to decaf or gradually reducing your intake until you're able to wean yourself off completely.

And if your morning coffee is a non-negotiable, at least ditch that cup of joe once you get home. Many herbal teas can help promote relaxation without caffeine-induced jitters.

Try out chamomile, lavender, or passionflower tea before bed and see if it makes a difference in your sleep quality.

6. Massage your hands and feet

This one's a personal favorite! Try massaging your hands and feet with some lotion or essential oils if you're feeling stressed.

The pressure and warmth will help to relax your muscles and ease any tension you might be feeling. Plus, it feels pretty darn good!

If you have a golf ball lying around, you can even plant your feet on the floor and roll the ball under them for a quick and easy foot massage.

7. Listen to relaxing music

Is it any surprise that music is on this list? Listening to relaxing music has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve mood.

So the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, put on your favorite tunes and let yourself relax. If you're alone and unbothered, you can even dance a little to get a little workout in!

8. Do breathing exercises

When we're stressed, our breathing becomes shallower and faster, leading to feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness.

That's why it's vital to focus on deep, deliberate breathing when you're feeling overwhelmed.

One breathing exercise you can try is the four-seven-eight method: breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds, then exhale slowly for eight seconds.

Repeat this cycle until you feel your heart rate start to slow down.

9. Invest in stress-relief products

One of the simplest and quickest ways to reduce stress is to use a stress-relief product.

These can be anything from stress balls to relief rollers to lotions and candles – anything that makes you feel relaxed and calms your senses.

If you're unsure where to start, try out a few different products until you find what you like. Check out products for stress relief to see which one will work for you.

10. Meditate

Create a space for yourself where you can sit or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.

Allow your thoughts to come and go without judgment, and return your focus to your breath whenever you find your mind wandering.

Start with just a few minutes of meditation each day, and gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable with the practice. Play some soft, calming music in the background to help you relax.

11. Journal

Get a notebook and write down whatever is on your mind.

Don't worry about grammar or punctuation – just let the words flow out of you. Journaling can be a great way to get all your thoughts and feelings out without having to burden anyone else with them.

In fact, writing everything down is a fantastic alternative to having someone to talk to. You'll be able to look back on your entries and see how far you've come, which can be a great source of motivation.

12. Get outside

Sometimes, the best way to relieve stress is to get out of the house and into nature. Go for a walk in the park, sit by the river, or lay in the grass and watch the clouds go by.

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. And if you can't go for a walk, just open up your window and have a cup of tea while looking at nature. Trust me – it'll do wonders for your soul.

Final Thoughts

Stress is a normal part of life, but that doesn't mean it has to take over. Try out some of these simple and effective tips the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, and see how much better you'll feel. Good luck!

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About the Creator

Jen Hensey

Call me Jen, a writer and blogger of LifeStyleConvo & UrbanHouses, who worked as a full-time content creator. A writer by day and reader by night.

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  • Test3 months ago

    I'm a fan of this article; it's written well and packed with useful information.

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