While a day at the spa might be a nice treat every now and then, it isn’t something most people can schedule on a regular basis. Luckily, there are numerous things you can do to relax without leaving the comfort of your own home. Don’t wait for the next time you feel overwhelmed to combat stress. Try adding one or more of these techniques to your daily routine to help you find focus and better health today.
1. Turn Up the Music
Music is a powerful, yet often underused, tool in combating stress and anxiety. Its benefits range from easing pain in cancer patients to temporarily restoring memories to individuals with dementia. Find music that helps you feel relaxed and soothes, and turn it up a bit. The type of music will depend on your personal preferences, but many people find that Native American music, world sounds with flutes and stringed instruments, light jazz and nature sounds are the most relaxing when played. Try a few different styles to see what works best for you.
2. Sip Herbal Tea
Modern science supports the use of several types of herbs for relaxation. Add to that the calming experience of sipping a warm drink and herbal tea is an excellent way to unwind. Just consider how camomile tea has been used to help calm nerves and quiet the mind for centuries for a perfect real-world example. If you aren’t a tea drinker, you can still benefit from relaxing herbs. CBD flower or tincture might be a better choice for you. Ongoing research indicates it can have significant benefits for individuals who suffer from mild anxiety or stress.
3. Take a Deep Breath
There is a lot to say about simply stopping to take a deep breath. After all, you wouldn’t be able to go very long without doing it. Take the simple act of breathing to a whole new healing level by adding one of these techniques designed to soothe and relax:
- Halotherapy or salt chambers add a new dimension to deep breathing by introducing ionized sodium into the air
- Aromatherapy adds the chemical compounds of plants to stimulate a physiological response
- Breathing exercises designed specifically for relaxation mitigate the body’s natural stress response
4. Write in a Journal
Many people dismiss the idea of journaling as too time-consuming, or maybe they worry it will be too difficult to get started. However, unlike a diary, a journal isn’t so much about what happens during each day as it is about how you react to those things. It is an expression of feelings and thoughts, and keeping one is a relatively simple and straightforward process. Plus, there are multiple studies that show it is an effective technique to reduce stress and anxiety. Some people still keep print journals, while others have moved the cathartic process to an app or other digital format.
5. Try Progressive Relaxation
Much like the techniques used in yoga practice, progressive muscle relaxation is designed to increase awareness of each part of the body individually and as part of the whole. It is a powerful mindfulness technique that many people find soothing and centering. It is also used effectively in natural pain management programs. Each session lasts for just a few minutes, so you can fit one in during a break at work or after you climb into bed at night.
6. Go For a Walk
Physical exercise releases chemicals in the body that can produce a feeling of euphoria. They have also been known to increase energy and reduce perceived pain. Even a short walk can produce benefits. Start with a 10- or 15-minute daily stroll and work your way up to longer sessions to get some cardiovascular benefit from them too.
Stress is part of everyday life, but that doesn’t mean you must let it affect your health. Simple things like journaling, meditation, and herbal remedies can help you relax and refocus.
