10 tips to help you destress
Here’s our 10 tips to help you destress. Having been involved in psychology, yoga, meditation and various forms of exercise over the years, we know that certain methods have proved beneficial for handling stress.
Stress comes in many forms, from minor irritants (driving, to noise on public transport) to major life changes (moving home to redundancy). Taking part in pleasurable activities reduces stress and lowers the heart rate.
Have a read of our suggestion on 10 tips to help you destress:
- Laughter
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Walking
- Singing/ Playing music
- Dancing
- Talking
- Sleep
- Diet
- Running
Laughter
Watching a good comedy or a film that makes us laugh can help lighten our load. A good belly laugh, literally does shift your perspective. Even during times of tension, an unexpected laugh or smile can settle the mind and help soothe the heart.
Yoga and Meditation
Having a daily practice of yoga and meditation, even for a few minutes can help you focus on the present moment. Yoga and Meditation is known to calm the mind, and will help release physical and mental tensions. Yoga postures bring mobility and range of motion to the joints, reducing inflammation. Yoga movement is coordinated with breath awareness, which helps the mind and body connect as one unit. The practice of meditation offers a more integrated sense of self, and brings us to the present with a deeper sense of purpose.
Walking
A daily dose of vitamin d, and being outdoors each day helps your physical and psychological wellness. Schedule in a daily walk, ideally before breakfast, or before midday. Getting outside is known to have a good impact physically and our mood and helps us to sleep better.
Singing, playing music, and or dancing
Doing something spontaneous is good for the soul. We don’t always need to schedule a task to keep us in a good mood. Listening to a favourite song, or mantra, helps boost the mind. Dancing ‘as if no one is watching’ is powerful for our sense of freedom. Singing helps open the lungs, and lifts our energy and helps shift the perspective.
Talking and Listening
Catching up with a friend, socialising, or having a short phone call can help us destress. Human beings are meant to talk,and have connections with others. It’s important to talk with people that will help you feel uplifted. Talk openly to people who will support you and listen. Keep talking about your feelings, and listen to a friend who might need your help.
Sleep and Diet
Eating late at night can have a negative impact on our sleep. What and how you eat, developing good habits will help you to sleep better. Avoid eating meals or three hours before you head to bed. Make sure your bedroom is clutter free, and if you are unable to sleep don’t stay lying in bed awake, leave the room and read a book in another room. Only head to bed when you are ready to sleep. Try to build up a good sleeping habit, make time to prepare the mind and body for rest.
Running / Physical Strength
As well as walking, and mindfulness practices, aim to have a 40 minute exercise routine which involves resistance. This will keep the body stronger and also help with you focus on good sleep and better eating habits. Build in a 30 to 40 minute exercise routine, at least three to four times a week.
