5 Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

We can be under stress because of a number of reasons: deadlines at work, upcoming exams in school, a big presentation or an important meeting… Read on to discover five great ways to relieve stress and anxiety and find inner peace.

Book a Vipassana retreat

An ancient Indian form of meditation aimed at helping individuals get rid of all their mental impurities. Individuals are encouraged to focus on themselves, to observe their bodies and pay close attention to any physical sensation that forms the life of the body. The Vipassana technique isn’t easy, it requires dedication and hard work, and you can learn it at one of their centers all over the world: in Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Book a 10-day silent Vipassana retreat and focus on this mental training that will make you more composed and calm.

Get a massage.

Often times, stress and anxiety can cause physical discomfort: cramps, headaches, stomachaches, and stiffness in our backs and shoulders, especially if we are very busy and rarely have time to relax. People who live in big and busy cities that never sleep, such as New York and Hong Kong, know this feeling very well. This is why it’s very easy to find a good massage parlor in Hong Kong—people are looking for the best service in hopes of getting the best results. A good massage will help your body get rid of signs of stress and anxiety, and you will feel much more relaxed and comfortable in your own skin.

Practice breathing techniques.

Unfortunately, we are not always able to take some time off and book a retreat or an exotic holiday. Still, it doesn’t mean that our hands are tied—there are many simple things you can do to relax when you feel overwhelmed. There are many simple breathing techniques that you can try doing throughout the day when you feel like things are getting a bit out of hand and you start feeling tense. You can practice belly breathing first and work your way up to roll breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, and morning breathing. When you master several different techniques, you will always be able to use one at times when you feel stressed and/or anxious.

Get moving.

Physical activity is a great way to help your body deal with stress: there are different kinds of exercises you can try and find something that suits you. You can start with something easy like walking around your neighborhood in the evening, jogging in the morning, riding a bike to work, or going swimming after work. You don’t have to go to the gym to work out; a simple dancing class or yoga for beginners will do the trick too. When you get better at it, you can set the bar a bit higher: go to a yoga retreat in Portugal, sign up for a dancing competition with your partner, or start training for a marathon.

“Steal” some time for yourself.

If you feel like there isn’t enough time in the day to finish every task on your agenda, it might be a good idea to ditch the agenda and focus on yourself for a change. “Steal” some time for yourself every day: meditate in the morning, have a glass of wine with your special someone when you get home, read a bedtime story to your children, or cuddle your pet while watching your favorite show. During this time, don’t look at your phone (turn off the notifications) and don’t use your computer to reply to emails.

While the sad truth is that we can’t completely avoid stress, we can take steps that will help us manage it. What is more, stress and anxiety can make your life much harder and more complicated than you want it to be. By learning to deal with stress, you will live a happier life, and you will be much more productive at work.