As most people know, staying calm and relaxed at times can be extremely hard. Whether it’s because of relationship drama, work or a personal loss, working ourselves up over these things is not healthy and can cause many troubling effects on our body. For example, stress can lead to break-outs of acne, panic attacks (mostly for anxiety sufferers), breathing problems and even eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia. When I get stressed, I tend to skip meals or have breathing difficulties which lead to panic attacks, which I know is not a healthy way to deal with being stressed or anxious. However, I’ve found many remedies extremely helpful for curing stress, and in the past few weeks these have really helped me become a more relaxed person. Here are some of the tips and remedies you should try for relaxing yourself, and clearing your mind:
1. Long baths/showers
I’ve always found that a nice warm candlelit bath in the dark always relaxes me after a long day working. They give you an opportunity to have some private time, and to reflect on how you’re feeling. You can even add a nice Lush bath bomb to add a nice scent and atmosphere to the room.
2. Exercising regularly
Although you may think exercise is too much effort or too tiring, a quick go on the treadmill or a jog around the park can release endorphins in your body, which balance your hormone levels and help relieve stress. I tend to use a treadmill to exercise, and afterwards I feel amazing. Local clubs such as Zumba can also give you confidence as well as cure stress, so I’d definitely recommend joining a class of some sort.
3. Watching comedies!
In the short while I was feeling low, I found one thing helped me more than anything else: watching comedy films and TV series. They made me see some light at the end of the dark tunnel I was stuck in. You could treat yourself and snack out on all your favourite foods while watching these. I suggest comedies like Friday Night Dinner and Adam Sandler films (as I have most probably previously mentioned in other articles).
4. Socialising
By this, I don’t mean texting your friends 24/7 while you lie in bed miserably alone. Actually pick up the phone and make that phone call to your best friend or the cousin you’ve not spoken to for ages. Make the effort to arrange plans – just do anything you can to take your mind off how busy you may be or the demons in your mind. By reaching out to others you can release some of your internalised stress.
5. Doing something you love
It doesn’t matter what it is. Try and find a hobby or activity you really enjoy doing. I find singing instantly relaxes me whenever I’m down, and writing is like a need for me! It doesn’t matter if you’re a good writer or not, taking some time to write a paragraph on how you’re feeling or a creative story of a place you’ve always dreamed to go really will help.
Good luck! Make sure you give yourself time. Happiness isn’t always instant after a while of being down.
