Let’s face it; life can be stressful. Whether you’re dealing with a looming deadline at work, managing a chaotic home life, or just trying to keep up with the constant demands of everyday life, stress is an inevitable part of our lives.
But because stress is a part of life, that doesn’t mean we have to let it take over our lives. You can do plenty of things to quickly and effectively destress after a long, tough day. Here are some methods for how to destress after a stressful day.
Get moving
Exercise is one of the best ways to combat stress. It releases endorphins—the body’s feel-good hormones—and gives you an outlet to blow off steam. A quick jog around the block or a few minutes on the elliptical can make all the difference in how you feel when you head back into the office tomorrow morning.
If you want to do a more exciting workout that you can do with friends, you can try jumping on indoor trampolines to get your heart rate up and have some fun. Several parks offer trampoline classes and open jump hours.
You can also head to the nearest rock climbing gym and scale some walls. Rock climbing is a great way to release energy and challenge yourself simultaneously. This gives you a chance to work on your physical and mental too.
Take a hot bath or shower
Hot baths or showers are incredibly relaxing after a stressful day. Not only do they help you feel physically relaxed by melting away any knots of tension, but taking a hot bath can also stimulate the release of endorphins, allowing for a feeling of blissful relaxation.
In addition, a hot bath or shower can be a great way to unwind mentally and spiritually after a long day. Try adding some essential oils or a bubble bath for extra relaxation benefits. This will help you to let go of any pent-up stress and relax your body and muscles.
Connect with loved ones
When you’re feeling stressed, you sometimes need a little human connection. Spend a few minutes chatting with a friend or family member on the phone or via text message. Or, if you can see them in person, go for a quick coffee date or have dinner together. Being around someone you love can help reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed.
It would help if you also took the time to express any frustration or anger you may have experienced throughout the day. The act of talking through your emotions can be incredibly therapeutic, and it will help you destress quickly and effectively.
Take some time for yourself
It’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. To be there for others, you must take care of yourself first. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, take some time for yourself to do something that makes you happy.
Whether that means reading your favorite book, taking a relaxing bath, or going for a walk in nature, make sure to schedule some “me time“ so you can recharge your batteries and come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way next. You may even want to plan a weekend getaway with friends or family if you have the time and resources.
Practice deep breathing exercises
Deep breathing exercises are a simple but effective way to reduce stress and calm your mind and body instantly.
To do a deep breathing exercise, inhale slowly through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for four seconds.
Repeat this exercise several times until your muscles relax and your heart rate slows down. You can do this exercise anywhere and anytime—no equipment necessary!
Meditate
Meditation is another great way to destress after a long, tough day. It can help you focus and clear your mind, and it’s a great way to connect with your inner peace and happiness. There are many different types of meditation, so find one that works best for you and stick with it.
Find a quiet place to sit or recline comfortably without being disturbed. Then, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly, repeating this process for several minutes. As you do this, allow any negative thoughts or feelings to pass without judgment or attachment. Observe them and let them go.
When you’re finished, take a few minutes to journal about how you feel. Recording your thoughts and feelings can be helpful in further exploring your meditation practice and understanding how it affects your day-to-day life.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it control our lives. If you’re looking for ways to destress after a stressful day, try incorporating some (or all!) of these tips into your daily routine—you’ll feel better in no time!
