5 Ways to De-Stress In a Hurry
Stress is unavoidable especially during the middle of a (seemingly) neverending global pandemic. We have been forced to make so many different changes and continue to have to at the drop of a dime. It’s really easy to get overwhelmed. We are worried about more things than normal and the news always seems to be the most negative it:s ever been - only until tomorrow that is. We have all learned the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and asking for help when we need it (even when it:s difficult). But what does one do when they are in the midst of a crazy, stressful moment?
Here a few ways to de-stress in a hurry.
Talk (or write) It Out
Talking things out can be helpful no matter what the situation may be. If you have a trusted support system, reach out to them to talk it out. This can be helpful whether you need advice or just someone to listen to you rant. I find this helps me get a different perspective on things and they can even help me be more levelheaded by realizing things may not be the way I see them in that current moment. Be mindful of others and who you choose to talk it out with. Be sure they aren’t dealing with issues of their own. If you don’t feel comfortable talking, journal. Take 10 minutes to write out all of your emotions, thoughts, and feelings.
Take a Walk
This seems like a no-brainer but take a walk. Even if it’s just around the block or around your space for a couple of minutes. This will help get the blood flowing, your mind of whatever is bothering you, and if you’re outside, some extra much-needed oxygen. Physical activity also releases hormones that better your mood so when you’re feeling stressed you can relax and improve your entire physical and mental state.
Energy Tapping
This is one that isn’t for everyone and actually takes some getting used to. In the sense that at first you kinda feel ridiculous but eventually you get over it. So energy tapping or EFT Tapping is a technique most commonly used with anxiety and helps access the parts of the brain that control stress. Basically, you tap meridian points of your body to restore the disruptions. There is tons of research about how EFT can help curb cravings, pain, and other things like that. I find doing the EFT circuit a couple of times really helps me stop, take a breather, focus on something else, and get the much-needed boost to get back into things. See this video to learn how to try EFT.
Meditate
Meditation when feeling overly stressed can be easier said than done, but meditation is helpful for managing stress overall. Meditation can help restore calm and get you into a state of mindfulness. During times of stress, we can be particularly unkind to ourselves or others, and being more mindful can help in more ways than one. Meditation can be beneficial especially when you pair it with a mantra that can get you in the right headspace.
Listen to Music
Music has a positive effect on mood and stress. Like others, I find that music helps me with everything from boosting my mood to calming me or even helping me to focus. It:s all in the music you choose ultimately. I have tons of playlists dedicated to different things (or I head to one of the Monthly Mixes). Find some tunes that help you channel those relaxed feels or just help you dance it out. The added physical activity will help too!
