Are problems, pressures, deadlines, calendar events, and task lists mounting? Does it seem you haven’t sat down or breathed calmly in a week? Then you need these tips to relax and recharge.
Stress and its effects on your body and mind will continue to grow exponentially unless you call for a halt and take some time out. But you don’t need to escape to the Bahamas for a week. Just 30 minutes of time alone with an alternate activity can purge your mind, giving you renewed perspective and fresh mental energy to tackle your challenges.
It only takes a short time in the bath to reduce your stress and increase your inspiration; that’s why you should invest in quality bathroom essentials from Bathshack that go the extra mile for bathroom essentials to help you unwind.
What if I can’t spare 30 minutes for stress relief?
Those who are severely overwhelmed fear that if they stop even for a moment to breathe, they will lose momentum, and everything will fall apart. However, it is important to recognise that your frenzied activity at some point reaches a terminal level, and continued efforts will simply leave you running in place, or possibly taking a few steps backward. A total stop is necessary in order to regroup, relax and recharge.
If you are still having trouble fathoming the idea of taking 30 minutes to relax and recharge, analyse your list and look for tasks you have assigned yourself that are non-essential. Also look for deadlines that can be postponed. I once heard a useful piece of advice: a few things are urgent, and most everything else can wait. See if this is true in your case, and don’t be ashamed of shifting timelines to the right.
10 Ways to Relieve Stress, Relax and Recharge
Now, choose from this list of easy and inexpensive old-fashioned ways to lose yourself and refresh your mind:
- Find an old childhood book on the shelf, make a hot drink, and get comfortable in your favourite spot.
- Indulge in your favourite art form – drawing, painting, writing a poem, playing an instrument, or craft and DIY.
- Go for a walk by yourself and think. Pay close attention to nature. Are there birds singing? Are there flowers blooming? Leaves changing colour? If you find a pretty leaf or feather, be sure to bring it home with you and place it on your dresser as a reminder.
- Go for a scenic drive. Even if you don’t live in a phenomenally beautiful area, go exploring anyway, and find something you never knew was just around the corner. Stop for an old-fashioned treat; try a Coke, a coffee, an ice cream cone, or a hot pretzel.
- Write a hand-written note to a friend or relative – especially someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Then walk it up to the corner and drop it in the post, which will also give you some fresh air to clear your mind.
- Write down your latest thoughts, experiences, hopes, or dreams in a journal. Say whatever comes to mind. I have always been a writer and this is my go to in times of stress. You can write to someone and then destroy it – this helps if you don’t actually want to say it but need to get it off your chest all the same.
- Read old letters or look at old photo albums.
- Do a 30-minute workout to your favourite music. Finish with stretching and a cold drink. There is plenty of inspiration on YouTube or many free apps that you can get workouts from. I like the seven min workouts if you are short on time!
- Lie down on your divan bed which offers a comfortable place to close your eyes and listen to well-loved music. Or play something old you haven’t heard in a while.
- And, my personal favourite: take a long bath. Be sure to live it up to the max and add candles, music, bubble bath or body scrub, and a hot or cold drink. Dunk a hand towel under the water, and then wrap it around your neck, draped over your shoulders. The warm heaviness relaxes you and keeps you warm-up top. (Note: This is not just for women.) Use my homemade spa day for tips.
I hope you’re feeling more relaxed just reading this list. Maybe you can think of a few ideas on your own? Now get serious about managing stress in your life. Learn to recognize when you’ve begun to resemble the proverbial chicken racing around minus an extremely vital organ. That’s your cue to stop for a 30-minute stress relief break.
After clearing your mind, you’ll find that problems don’t seem as big, and you have renewed energy and clearer focus in approaching your duties and challenges. You’ll probably even drop off to sleep more quickly and easily – giving your body and mind the proper recharge they need for tomorrow.
