There is no doubt that we all have tough days from time to time. Life gets ahead of us, things get hectic, work demands are out of control and keeping everything with the family on track can feel totally overwhelming. When things like this start to feel like too much, it’s best stop and assess the situation, figure out what you can get under control in that moment and come up with a plan for the rest. An important part of that plan – figuring out a few ways to de-stress, disconnect and have a moment to simply breathe. Though it may sometimes feel like that’s impossible, a few simple practices can absolutely help. Here are some simple solutions for what can often feel like life’s most complex problems.
6 Great Ways to De-Stress and Disconnect
1. Try aromatherapy. Using candles or essential oils, aromatherapy really can give you the sense of calm you’re after. Simply light a candle or dab a bit of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or sandalwood on your neck and the insides of your wrists. It works wonders.
2. Take off your shoes…seriously! Even if you’re stuck at the office dealing with a difficult situation, slip your shoes off under your desk. Roll your ankles and stretch your feet a bit – it’s an instant stress relief!
3. Pour yourself a cup of tea. It’s incredible what the power of herbal tea can do for giving you a moment to take it all in and relax. Herbal teas like chamomile or Valerian root have natural calming and soothing components that will leave you feeling a good sense of relief.
4. Go for a run or a brisk walk. Get outside, breathe the fresh air and then get your heart pumping. Getting all those endorphins going will help put everything in perspective and will rid you of excess, pent up energy.
5. Try an easy and quick meditation. Even if you only spend five minutes or so focused on your breathing or noticing the sounds around you, taking your mind off everything else can work wonders for alleviating stress.
6. Get some sleep. Often times moments of stress come when we are also sleep deprived – and it makes everything seem worse than it actually is. Getting a few extra z’s will help you get back on track to a place of balance and calm.
No matter what, finding your own personal sense of calm is the best way to gain perspective on the tough stuff. The same tactics don’t work for everyone, but until you find that perfect solution, trying out an array of different methods is a great way to spend some time focused on yourself and your own well-being. What’s your trick for dealing with stress? How do you disconnect?
