All of us feel stress in our daily lives from time to
time. Having some handy and helpful stress-relievers to rely on can help us cool off, let go a bit, breathe, and ease some of the tension we're feeling. Here are five tactics that can help when you're feeling stressed.
1. Read out loud for 10 minutes. Grab a book and begin reading it out loud. Doing so distracts your brain from the stress you're feeling, can slow your heart rate, and help soothe muscle tension.
2. Putter in your garden. Just being outside in the fresh air often helps relieve some tension. Puttering in the garden while you're outside (digging in the soil, pulling out some weeds, trimming some plants, etc.) can help us feel more grounded.
3. Do lots of small things for yourself. I love filling each day with mini-activities that offer self-care, relaxation, and/or general enjoyment. So, in between all of my tasks and projects, I might stop for a mindful glass of refreshing iced tea, read a chapter of a compelling novel, or take a brief walk. Sandwiching rewards in between
all of those tasks makes for both a productive and fulfilling day.
4. Use a stress relieving pillow. Soft knot-pillows are wonderful stress-relievers. Feeling tense? Just hug one of these pillows. Plus, they're super-unique and adorable decorative elements!
5. Go into superhero pose for 2 minutes. Are you very stressed out about something you have to do, like quitting a job, talking to a family member about a financial situation, or even
getting in front of others to speak? Go into superhero pose. Stand up, feet shoulder-width apart, hands on your hips, head up high, shoulders back, and chest out. Hold this pose for a full two minutes while you take deep breaths. Imagine wearing a flowing cape on your back. "Become" the superhero you are! Now go handle the situation with a newfound sense of cool and calm.
