Ways to Relax

Let’s face it, life is busy. Sometimes it catches up with us, leaving us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. When this happens, you need a way to fight back.

Fortunately, even just a few minutes can be enough to help you recharge. Here are 26 ways to relax.

1. Breathe
   Take 5 deep breathes, give it your full attention, notice the pause but in and out.
2. Write
   Journaling about your feelings can help relieve them.
3. Be grateful
   Write a list of what you’re grateful for—nothing is too small.
4. Make a plan
   Knowing what you need to do today (and what you don’t) can help relieve the stress.
5. Play
   Adults can sometimes forget how to play, but anything that is purposeless and pleasurable and help us unwind.

6. Use visualization
   Whether you’re really standing at the ocean or just imagining it, your brain responds the same way.

7. Talk to someone
   One of your best tools for coping with stress are social connections.
8. Go green
   Immersing yourself in nature can help you unwind. Go for a walk along the river or find a good bench under a tree.
9. Sleep on it
   It may feel counterintuitive, but take 20 minutes and catch some zzz’s. It can refresh your mind, while the brief time frame keeps you from getting groggy.
10. Change the tunes
    Listening to upbeat or calming music can quickly shirt your mood.
11. Meditate
    Even a few minutes can ease anxiety, especially when practiced daily.
12. Be present
    Stop your thoughts and take a minute to be present in your body to be aware of it.
13. Warm up
    Place a warm compress over your neck and shoulders for 10 minutes, lean back, and close your eyes to relax those tense muscles in your face, neck, and back.
14. Laugh out loud
    Reduce your levels of stress hormone cortisol and increase feel-good endorphins with a good laugh.
15. Stare at the ceiling
    Tilting your head up lowers blood pressure and slows your breath. Count down slowly from 60 while doing this to help still your mind.
16. Set your worries aside
    Write down all of the things that are causing you stress, then put them aside to deal with tomorrow.
17. Sip green tea
    Green tea has L-Theanine in it, which helps relieve anger.
18. Go dark
    With some dark chocolate. A single square (1.4 oz) can regulate your cortisol levels.
19. Chew gum
    The repetitive and thoughtless nature of chewing gum can reduce anxiety within just a few minutes.
20. Count down
    This simple action demands enough attention to stifle the sources of your stress.
21. DIY a hand massage
    Hands carry a lot of tension, so stop wringing your hands and massage them instead.
22. Grab a golf ball
    But forget the irons. Instead, roll it against the bottom of your feet to release tension.
23. Squeeze it out
    On a stress ball. They didn’t become a common desk tchotchke by accident.
24. Get some sun
    Take a quick walk outside and soak up some rays to lift your spirits.
25. Practice yoga
    The smooth deliberate motion of yoga is great for calming and re-centering.

26. Cuddle with a pet
    A good snuggle with a furry friend is a proven way to de-stress.