It’s easy to find that stress is becoming a constant part of our lives. We all have our methods of coping and calming. Here are 10 Ways To Calm Down that are tried and true and a few you may have yet to try…..
1. Practice breathing exercises
Focus on your breath, pushing all other thoughts aside. Be conscious of the breath coming in and going out; focus on the sensation of inhaling and exhaling.
2. Do relaxation exercises
Sometimes known as progressive muscle relaxation, practice tensing and then releasing each of your muscle groups. If your body is physiologically relaxed, then you can’t be stressed. Looking for relaxing yoga flow? Check out this PLAY Yin class.
3. Be in the moment with one of your senses
Sight, smell, sound, and taste—you’ll be amazed how quickly the stress melts away when you focus on just one of them. Eat something that you crave and savor each bite. Light a scented candle and breathe in your favorite scent. Listen to a wonderful piece of music and let it take you away. Look at something beautiful in your surrounding that makes you stop and stare.
4. Walk
Could you squeeze in a 10-minute walk either first thing in the morning, during a lunch break, or when we get home from work? A short walk clears our heads and boosts endorphins.
5. Laugh
Research has found that laughing can decrease stress hormones, reduce artery inflammation and increase HDL, the “good” cholesterol.
6. Get up earlier
This isn’t for everyone, but if you’re more of a morning person then start waking-up even earlier. You’d be surprised at much more you’ll accomplish before everyone else is awake. You might enjoy reading, getting in a workout, responding to emails, or getting right to work.
7. Visualize
A short visualization can be the quickest path to getting centered. Just get comfortable somewhere quiet and imagine the person, place, or thing that makes you happy.
8. Meditate
Time and time again this practice of inward-focused thought, along with deep breathing, has been proven to reduce heart disease risk factors including high blood pressure.
9. Get enough, quality sleep
Are you getting enough sleep at night? You should. Getting enough sleep is an essential component in staying healthy and strong and it can help you better handle stressful situations.
10. Buy a plant
Plants are more than just beautiful air purifiers. They can also reduce stress and anxiety -some relaxing varieties include chamomile, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, and skullcap.
From minor challenges to major crises, stress is part of life. And while you can’t always control your circumstances, you can control how you respond to them. Next time you feel overwhelmed try out one of these Ways To Calm Down.
