Between work, school and family obligations, it’s easy to crumble under the weight of our day-to-day lives.
And no matter how much you try to practice a healthy lifestyle and maintain a clear mind, you still can’t seem to catch a break.
Which is odd, because you already know all the well-established de-stressing mantras: eat less junk food, exercise more, drink at least eight glasses of water a day…
And while all of this is sound advice, something just hasn’t clicked for you yet.
Perhaps you need a fresh take on how to battle with everyday anxieties that are burdening you.
You’ve come to the right place, then!
We have prepared a list of unorthodox stress relievers that can reduce anxiety levels and help you achieve a calmer, more balanced everyday routine.
And if you’re curious to find out what they are, make sure to keep reading – who knows, you might just find the perfect stress-reliever for your needs!
Fill Out a Coloring Book
Did you notice that in recent years, bookstore shelves have been lined with a curiously large number of coloring books?
And not in the children’s section, either.
This is because adult coloring books have been shown to work wonders when it comes to reducing stress levels and practicing mindfulness.
You don’t need much – a simple book with sketches, a couple of coloring pencils and, voila, you’re ready to switch off and immerse yourself in a simple, yet rewarding activity that can take you mind off the everyday worries.
When it comes to designs, coloring books come in all formats and themes: mandalas, botany, architecture, etc.
So, whatever your preferred visuals are, you can rest assured there’s a coloring book out there ready to become your stress-reducing project.
Chew Gum
Humans have been chewing on various things to improve their mood for millennia, all the way from the Ancient Greeks to the Maya.
Why is this the case?
Well, studies have shown that chewing gum can be immensely effective in minimizing stress and contributing to a more balanced mental state.
Moreover, if your mouth is preoccupied with chewing gum, your brain becomes more awake and perceptive, which can be very helpful in those stressful situations when you have to stay alert and focused.
And if you want to keep it on the healthy side, make sure to stash yourself with sugar-free gum. This way, you won’t have to worry about extra calories or carbs while you’re getting your dose of stress relief.
Dance Away the Worries
“Dance like no one’s watching” might sound silly, but this advice can be golden when it comes to reducing stress.
Just like it’s the case with any other physical activity, dancing will help you break sweat and boost blood flow, which will then release the endorphins – neurotransmitters that help alleviate symptoms of stress.
However, unlike the more traditional forms of exercise like running or going to the gym, we tend to consider dancing to be something fun and liberating.
Moreover, if your work or school entails stuffy environments and ultra-professional behavior, dancing can be a great outlet for releasing the goofier side of yourself.
Finally, if you decide to make dancing a regular occurrence in your life, not only will you reap its benefits for the mental state, but you will also improve flexibility, build muscle and increase your stamina.
Moreover, if you’re looking to shed a few extra pounds but dread going to the gym, regular dancing can be a great fitness substitute.
Cook Your Favorite Meal
Sometimes, stress can be exacerbated by poor dietary choices.
When we’re swamped with work and other tasks, we tend to go for the least healthy, instantly filling foods, which often tend to be loaded with processed carbs and sugars.
And these two are never good news for stress.
A good plan to avoid situations like these is to set aside some time to cook a meal from scratch.
You can do this either for yourself or even for your loved ones.
Make a list of all the groceries you need, prepare your favorite healthy recipe and get cooking!
And if you need inspiration on what are the best ingredients for a body-soothing meal, look into incorporating one or more of the following ingredients into your dish:
- Nuts
- Fatty fish
- Leafy greens
- Avocado
- Carrots
Take your time to focus on every step of the cooking process and try to do so without distractions.
This will help keep your mind occupied on the task at hand and hand keep you distracted from worries that could otherwise infest your thoughts.
Not only will a cooking session take your mind off day-to-day problems, you will also have a healthy, replenishing meal at the end of it.
Hang Out with Your Pet
Our furry companions can also be amazing when it comes to diminishing stress levels.
Giving your beloved cat or dog a belly rub can give you an instant jolt of endorphins and dopamines, which in turn reduce stress.
Not just that, but having a four-legged friend with you at all times can help make you feel less lonely in case you live on your own.
Plus, when you have another living being to take care of, chances are you won’t have time to dwell on your concerns 24/7.
Moreover, if you have a pet that requires regular walks, this also means you have a reason to go out in nature more often than people who don’t own animals.
And when you do that, your body is replenished with many nutrients that can help improve your overall mood and well-being.
Chat with a Friend
When we’re alone in our thoughts, our worries can only grow bigger and more tangled.
In order to avoid this vicious circle, it’s important to reach out to people around us.
That’s why it could be a good idea to ring your friend when you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed.
Having someone close to talk to will make you feel less alone and caught up in your own mind.
Moreover, verbalizing your problems out loud will help you put them into context and help view them more realistically.
On the other hand, you don’t even have to talk about all your problems and worries if you don’t feel like it.
A light, breezy convo can do wonders for improving your mood just as well.
For example, you can reminisce about fun or meaningful moments you’ve shared or exchange your favorite inside jokes.
Go to a New Place
Feeling sluggish and anxious can sometimes be a result of lack of movement and stale surroundings.
A change of environment can greatly improve your spirits and make you feel more productive and alerts.
This doesn’t mean you have to book an expensive trip or go miles away from your home.
Simple things like taking a different route to work or visiting a park or neighborhood in your city you’ve never been to before can also do the trick.
Spending time in unfamiliar environments will provide visual and mental stimulus for your brain. This will in turn help relieve stress and divert your attention to other things in your surroundings.
Moreover, if you decide to do a nature jaunt, this can also help boost your mood. Relaxing amidst greenery can calm the nerves, while the sun can replenish your body with Vitamin D, which can help lift your spirits when you’re feeling depressed and sluggish.
Sing, Sing, Sing
Stress can often become worse over time because we keep it buttoned up and hidden away from the eyes (and ears) of the world.
And if you’re not a particularly assertive or outspoken person, chances are you rarely speak up about things that concern or irritate you in your everyday dealings.
Did you know that singing can be a great way to release all the things you never get to verbalize?
It’s no wonder why so many nights out and business dinners often end in karaoke bars and rooms.
And if you feel too self-conscious to just start shouting at the top of your lungs in front of your family or housemates, you can do so when they’re out the house or while you’re in the shower.
Having your own mini-karaoke session in the bathroom or in your car can help you expel all the negative emotions you’ve been building up and start the day fresh.
Give Yourself a Facial
After a stressful day at work, in school or running errands, you just want to shut off from the world and unwind in the comfort of your home.
Why not elevate your relaxation to new heights and give yourself a little spa treatment?
This doesn’t have to be anything fancy; for example, a simple facial treatment can do wonders to relax your muscles and help you clear your thoughts.
Start off your mini-spa treatments by taking the day off with an oil or balm cleanser.
Once you wipe away all the makeup and daily grime, add another pump of your favorite face oil and start rubbing it into your face.
In the process, give yourself a face massage by moving the tips of your fingers in small, circular motions around your face.
Focus on your temples, your brow bone, center of the forehead and the jaw muscles, which tend to be very tense when we are stressed.
Once you’re finished with your face massage, treat yourself to a nourishing sheet mask infused with green tea, Aloe Vera or any other soothing nutrients.
Just slap one on and let it work its magic while you catch up on your favorite TV show.
If you want to treat yourself in the morning before work, you can also use pre-made ice cubes enriched with cucumber slices to awaken your skin and perk up your complexion.
Have a Glass of Orange Juice
In those moments when you’re feeling acute bouts of stress or anxiety, a refreshing glass of orange juice can do wonders for balancing your mood.
To make your own stress-annihilating drink, grab a couple of oranges and soften them up by rolling the fruit against a hard surface.
Cut them in half and squeeze them into a glass. Take a spoon and scrape off the pulp, then add it to your juice for more texture, fullness and nutrients.
Your freshly squeezed citrusy concoction will be packed with Vitamin C, which can help diminish cortisol (stress) levels.
Not only will this zesty drink soothe your taste buds and calm your mind, it can also boost your immunity and even brighten up your skin.
Not only will this zesty drink soothe your taste buds and calm your mind, it can also boost your immunity and even brighten up your skin.
Sounds like an all-around win!
De-Clutter Your Office or Apartment
Sometimes, the cause for stress can lie in our immediate environment.
Think about it: how can you have an unencumbered, organized mind if your room or office space is a complete mess?
That’s why you might want to set aside some time to tackle the clutter and arrange your belongings in the most optimal way.
Not only will this help establish a clean canvas for your work or day-to-day life, the act of cleaning itself can have great therapeutic benefits for your mind and body.
To make the most out de-cluttering, arrange your things in such a way that all the items you use daily are easily accessible. Store the things that aren’t used as often in compartmentalized spaces. Finally, donate or get rid of all the things you absolutely don’t need anymore.
Freeing up your living and working space from unnecessary things will help you focus on the stuff that really matters.
Arranging your apartment and office is not only liberating, it will also make you more productive and at ease.
Just make sure to maintain the order and you won’t ever have to worry about unwanted clutter in your life.
Hopefully, these tips can help you make the first steps towards clearing your mind and beating stress once and for all. With some luck, you will finally be able to have a fulfilling, worry-free daily routine.
