If you have just bought a new house your mind is probably racing. While closing on a house is cause for celebration, you probably still have a lot on your plate and may even feel anxious, which can make it harder to make decisions and get everything done that needs to be done, creating a vicious circle is created. And taking time to relax just doesn’t seem possible.
Our brains are not designed to be active all the time. In addition to a good night’s sleep, we should also take time to relax, calm our minds and take a break from the constant demands. Being Overstress can lead to physical and mental health problems (1)from weight gain and high blood pressure to anxiety and depression.
Multiple sources of stress and associated symptoms can be overwhelming
Everyone experiences stress. It can help you concentrate and complete the task. But when stress is frequent and intense, it can tax your body and make it impossible to function. Finding effective ways to cope is crucial to living a good life. Here are a few solutions:
Instant relaxation mode
This technique helps you relax by reducing tension and stress and increasing your feelings of calm and peace. It can be used when you are feeling stressed or anxious, and it can also be a great way to reduce insomnia at night!
This technique is ideal to immediately immerse yourself in relaxation mode:
- Assume a comfortable position (preferably in loose, relaxed clothing).
- Tighten the muscles in each of your toes, hold the position for a count of ten, then slowly relax them as the tension releases.
- Do the same with the muscles in your feet, then work your way up through your body, from your legs to your abs, back, shoulders, neck and face, holding and relaxing as you go.
Go for a walk
When anxious thoughts start to flood your mind, take a walk. Even when you are at work, you can walk through the hallway or around the building. If possible, going out into the fresh air will make it easier to forget about your worries, get some exercise and immediately calm your mind.
Research has shown that walking promotes the release of brain chemicals called endorphins, which promote relaxation and improve our mood. Walking doesn’t have to be done at a brisk pace to have stress-relieving benefits. Even a walk at a comfortable pace promotes relaxation, research shows (2).
Breathing deeply
This method can be applied anytime and anywhere. Just stop what you are doing and focus on your breathing. Breathing correctly can immediately calm your mind as it brings in more oxygen and reduces anxiety (3). Loosen your shoulders and try to relax. You want to breathe from the deepest part of your lungs by using your diaphragm, the large leaf-like muscle that lies at the bottom of the chest cavity. Place your left hand on your chest and your right hand on your stomach. When you breathe, your right hand should move up and down, but your left hand should be still. If this is not the case, you are breathing too shallow.
Breath-focused meditation can be a starting point to bring you to a place of mindfulness, accepting the present moment for what it is. Your breathing is the only real thing present in the moment: you can’t breathe forward, and you can’t breathe backward.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been practiced for centuries and can be especially good for calming the mind. Numerous studies, including research from the Austrian University of Vienna, have found that lavender essential oil can reduce anxiety. In fact, it has been shown to work as well or better than the pharmaceutical drug Ativan, but without the long list of possible side effects. Simply inhale the scent of the oil or place a few drops on your chest.
These are just a few examples of how to calm down. As you can see, you can still find stress relief when you need it in just five minutes. But living in a constant state of stress is not sustainable. So also plan longer breaks when possible. Hit the gym for 30 minutes or have brunch with your best friends, whatever gets you to the right level of relaxation.
(1) Stress and high blood pressure: what’s the connection?
(2) Walking can help relieve stress
(3) Breathing techniques for stress relief