5 Easy Ways to Destress and Regain Focus (That Don't Involve Netflix)

We all have those days where everything seems to pile up, and we just need a well-deserved break away from the stresses of daily life. Whether you're a student, in full-time employment, or just feeling overwhelmed everyone can benefit from some time to relax and recharge. Here I explore five easy ways for you to destress and get back on track!

Journaling

Journaling has recently been on the rise in the media, and becoming more and more of a trend. However, the benefits of journaling on mental-wellbeing very much live up to the hype.

By writing down your thoughts, organising your tasks for the week, or even just writing down your goals for the year, journaling helps you to gain insight about yourself, and your priorities. Alleviate the stresses of remembering all your important tasks and deadlines by organising them into a weekly or monthly spread!

Research has found journaling to boast a range of positive health benefits, from improving cognitive function, to relieving stress (Purcell, 2018). Whether you're a self-proclaimed perfectionist, or just on the lookout for a more organised way to structure your time, journaling can be a fun and productive addition to everyone's daily routine!

Read an inspirational book.

Everyone can benefit from a change of perspective, and a new way of looking at life. From self-help to Stephen Hawking, there are a whole range of books on the shelves which can inspire you, mentally or academically.

As a student, it can be tempting to only read when I have to, and to associate reading with studying. However, recently I have fallen back in love with reading, and have observed the many positive effects reading has had on not only my stress levels, but also on my mental-wellbeing.

If non-fiction is not your cup of tea, set some time aside to read that book you've always been wanting to read. Some of the best lessons in life, and the best escapes from a hectic life are obtained from fictional characters!

Work towards a personal goal.

Working towards a personal goal can include anything from running a marathon to writing a book. This will not only help you stay motivated in day-to-day life, but it will also give you something to look forward to in your free time, and provide an escape from daily stressors.

Particularly when we get stressed, it can become easy to lose sight of what is important to us, and to take time out for ourselves, and our well-being. Working on a personal goal is a simple way to keep true to yourself, and to prove to yourself you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

The rewarding feeling of completing a personal project will make all the hard work worthwhile!

Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves bringing your attention to the present, and enjoying a small moment in your day to simply do nothing. Especially in modern times, and the age of clickbait videos, we rarely ever get a chance to completely switch off, and to give our busy minds a break.

Although, it may seem to some like this one is reserved for "hippies," mindfulness has been consistently associated with reduced levels of depression and anxiety (Farb et al, 2010), and increased levels of focus (Moore and Malinowski, 2009) and stress reduction (Hoffman et al, 2010).

With all the evidence backing the benefits of mindfulness, it certainly can't do any harm, and may be the relaxation method you never knew you needed!

Reorganising Your Space

Sometimes, something as small as changing up the furniture in your room, or the organisation of your workspace is enough to help you refocus and become inspired to do your best work again.

For instance, if you always leave your papers in a clutter, invest in some folders or organisers to help you find things a bit easier. Focus your attention on whatever is holding you back from working efficiently; whether it involves constantly losing pens and pencils, or a simple need for a colour change in the room!

There are plenty of videos and tutorials online on how to do this effectively, whether you are looking for an aesthetic to reorganise your life, or just a simple functional organisational switch-up.