There are a lot of things going on in everyone’s life right now. 2020 has been especially hard on everyone’s mental health. If you are one of these Americans who feels overwhelmed and stressed out by life, then consider using one or more of the 14 tips for relaxing below to take that mental vacation.
Even if going on a real vacation is out of the question, you can still destress and rejuvenate yourself. Keep reading!
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Take a Hot Bath
Even if you are a green fiend who doesn’t believe in wasting water, if you are extremely stressed, one of the best ways to detox and recharge yourself is by taking a serene, simple hot bath. Not only does it relax all your tense muscles, but it also gives you space and time to be with yourself. Just being with your thoughts in the present moment can be highly rejuvenating.
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Go for a Walk in Nature
Even if you don’t have much greenery outside your house, just a walk in nature can be extremely relaxing. If you have a forest nearby or some green space with trees, it’s even better. It’s called Forest Bathing, where you use the chemicals emitted by trees to relax your nervous system. Calming down is easier in nature somehow.
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Get a House Plant
If you are too busy to go to nature, then consider bringing nature to you. Get one or more house plants and green up your space. Being around these green oxygen-producing plants will make you happier for no reason at all. It will also give you the chance to take care of something besides yourself which can be quite gratifying.
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Sit and Savor Your Cup of Tea or Coffee
When was the last time you sat down and truly enjoyed your cup of Joe or that herbal tea? Probably never! If you are feeling stressed, then consider scrapping everything on your to-do list for a few minutes and savoring that cup of tea or coffee. Take it in with all your senses, breathe deeply, get into a state of meditation, and notice your anxiety disappear.
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Play with Your Pet
Everyone who has a pet, be it a dog or cat or a snake, knows how happy it can make you feel to tumble about with your pet. Spending time with your pet who loves you unconditionally can be so restorative to your soul.
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Do a Facial
If you are too stressed to go out and navigate conversation at a real spa, consider bringing the spa over to your home. Do a facial at home with natural goods found in your kitchen or store-bought masks.
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Dance in Your Living Room
Sometimes all you need in your life is a rambunctious dance session in your living room, letting off steam. Turn up that music and move your body as if no one’s watching (because no one is). And notice all that stress melt away from your body. Do it every day if you have the time for it!
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Watch Something Funny On YouTube
Laughter is a powerful medicine for the soul. If you are feeling blah or down, then consider putting on some funny show on Netflix or some humorous videos on YouTube and laugh your stress away. The deep belly laughs are what you should go for here.
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Listen to Some Ocean Waves
Everyone knows how relaxing it is to be by the ocean listening to those waves crashing on the shore over and over again. It’s a melody that can make anyone feel good about their life instantly. If you don’t live next to the ocean, then consider bringing the ocean to you. Many videos on YouTube let you listen to ocean waves on repeat.
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Do Some Gardening
Getting your hands dirty with the dirt and soil of the Earth – most people will find it de-stressing. This is especially true if you grow something and can see the fruits of your labor as you eat what you grow. Even if you don’t grow anything, just smelling the Earth and being in nature can be restorative.
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Give Yourself a Massage
Have you ever heard of self-massage? It’s quite simple actually. Get a bit of coconut oil or some other oil that you love, add a few drops of essential oils to it, and then use that oil to massage your body all over. Take your time with this. It’s about letting your hands heal yourself. Little by little, as you explore your body, you will notice tension melting away.
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Eat Some Dark Chocolate
Chocolate makes everyone happy. And that’s not just the chocolate-lover in us speaking. There are four neurotransmitters related to happiness in the brain, dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin, and they are all released when we consume chocolate. How awesome is that! If you wish to be healthy about it, get chocolate that’s 85-90% dark.
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Get an Adult Colouring Book
There is a craze recently of adults using coloring books to reduce stress and anxiety from their minds. It’s popular because it works! Order one of those coloring books from Amazon or print one off from many free sites, and start coloring your woes away. Remember, it’s not about coloring perfectly, but letting it soothe your mind and soul.
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Do a Full Body Relaxation
If you have ever been to a yoga class, you have probably been through one of these full-body yogic relaxations. Bit by bit, you are told to relax each part of your body, starting from your left toes, all the way to the top of your head. It usually takes around 10-15 minutes, but at the end of it, you will feel completely relaxed and happy.
Use These Tips for Relaxing Regularly
Remember that these tips for relaxing aren’t going to work if you use them once and forget about them. You need to make them a part of your regular self-care routine. Use one of the tips above once a week for the rest of your life! That’s how you will learn how to relax on command.
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