7 ways to relax and destress

Liv Butler
Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Monday, August 8, 2022 - 14:44

A busy life can take its toll on your health. While some amount of stress is normal and considered part of our survival, too much stress is not good. It can cause headaches, muscle tension, stomach aches, and even death. To avoid the health hazards of dealing with excessive stress, you need to learn simple but effective ways to relax. Here are some tips that can help.

1. A hot bath

A long soak in the bath is not only pleasurable but can give you many perks. Baths provide comfort and allow your mind and body to relax. You can sleep better, relieve muscle aches, keep your heart healthy, and soothe yourself. In short, it can help you destress in the best way possible.

Due to its beneficial effects, having a bathtub in your home is a great addition. You can find many freestanding and corner baths of all sizes and budgets. Luxury bath brands like Letta London offer a diverse variety. If you are a shower person, try a bath for a change. Freestanding bath deals from Letta London can help you get one at a great price.

2. Aromatherapy

Use of fragrances as a stress remedy is a holistic approach. It not only reduces stress but helps in overall health. Essential oils can help heal the ravages caused by stress and boost your immunity. Lavender oil and cedarwood oil help to reduce stress.  The oils act by reducing blood pressure and calming the nervous system. Here is what you can do:

  • Add a few drops of essential oil to your bath
  • Use a diffuser with essential oil in your bedroom
  • Add a few drops of lavender oil to your pillow.

3. Take a walk

A walk relieves stress by clearing your head and increasing endorphins. The endorphins lower stress hormones which stimulate relaxation and improve your mood. Walking need not be done at a brisk and fast pace to relieve stress.

Just a stroll around your neighbourhood at a pace comfortable to you promotes relaxation. The moderate exercise that walking can give strengthens the heart. It reduces the risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and other health problems.

4. Muscle relaxation technique

Relaxing the tense muscles of your body helps in many ways. Besides reducing stress, it can

  • Reduce low back pain
  • Lower your blood pressure
  • Reduce pain in your neck and shoulders
  • Improve sleep

To do the muscle relaxation method, find a quiet and comfortable space. Turn off your mobile and wear loose-fitting clothing. Follow the steps below:

  1. Tense one muscle group in your body slowly
  2. Hold the muscles in the tense state for 5 seconds and release the tension on an exhale
  3. Pause for 10 seconds
  4. Now start on the next group of muscles.

5. Laugh to reduce stress

Many studies done on the effects of laughter show it has great benefits. Your body releases cortisol hormone when you are in a stressed state. While cortisol is an essential hormone for reducing inflammation and controlling sugar levels, excessive amounts can increase your stress levels.

When you laugh, your body can regulate the cortisol level. This occurs by an increase in oxygen intake while you laugh. The higher oxygen consumption activates the blood circulation and reduces the cortisol level. Laughing also relaxes the tensed-up muscles in your body.

6. Eat a healthy diet

When you are stressed, you tend to binge on your favourite foods. The food you eat is directly linked to your mood. While eating a burger or noodles may comfort you such foods can harm you in the long run. Instead, start making healthy choices in the foods you eat.

 You can improve your energy, be more productive, and boost your mental and physical health. Healthy foods also save you money. Switch to healthy servings of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids help to boost your mood. Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids so adding them to your diet can help.

7. Meditate

One of the quickest ways to reduce stress is by practicing mediation. It is a great way to lower stress and relax. To meditate, keep your attention focused and clear your mind of confusing thoughts that increase your stress. By mediation, you can boost your emotional and physical health. Here are some ways you can meditate:

  • Breathe deeply and focus your attention on how you breathe. Listen to your inhale and exhale.
  • Next, focus on different body parts. Be aware of the various sensations you feel in your body like tension, pain, relaxation, and warmth
  • You can also combine mediation with walking. Practice the above steps while you walk in a park or in your neighbourhood.

Final word

Try the above tips to reduce stress and relax after a busy day. The tips help you restore serenity and calm in your life. They do not take much time and are easy to do. The best part is all are tried and tested methods that work.

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