When you’re feeling stressed and anxious, making time for self-care is one of the best things you can do for yourself. This time can help to calm and soothe your mind and body. Here are a few simple self-care activities one can engage in to help reduce stress and anxiety when you’re feeling overwhelmed:
1. Get Moving. The link between exercise and mood is one that has been well-studied. A moderate amount of physical activity can help to reduce stress, anxiety, or other feelings associated with hectic lifestyles. Even if you don't feel like working out, moderate physical activity, like walking, can help calm your nerves. Just 30 minutes a day can make all the difference and do wonders for your mood.
2. Get Some Sleep. Getting enough sleep is vital for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Sleep provides enough energy to get us through the day without feeling jittery or hyper and helps regulate emotions so that we're less likely to react emotionally before thinking through problems. It also makes people more creative, which can help with problem-solving skills - all these factors combined mean that if you seek productivity, better get your rest.
3. Unplug from Technology. Technology has become part of our daily lives, so most see it as essential. Instead, consider it a necessary evil that one would be wise to disconnect from time to time. Disconnecting from your devices and taking a break from social media can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, so give yourself a little me-time.
4. Take Some Deep Breaths. Deep breathing is a simple and effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. When you're feeling stressed, take some deep breaths through your nose and then out through your mouth.
5. Meditate or Do Some Yoga. Meditation and yoga are both great ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. If you're new to meditation or yoga, plenty of resources are available to help get you started.
6. Take Time to Journal. Journaling allows us to express our thoughts and feelings in a safe and private space. It can be a powerful tool for exploring our emotions and identifying the sources of our stress. Journaling can also help us to gain clarity and perspective on our challenges. As we journal, we can step back from our stressful thoughts and see them in a new light.
7. Read. Reading can be a great way to escape from a stressful reality. It's easy to forget about your troubles while you're lost in someone else's story, which makes reading very therapeutic. There are plenty more benefits, too - studies have shown that readers tend to be less stressed out than non-readers. Readers have also been known to have greater empathy and be less at risk of cognitive decline.
8. Do Something you Enjoy. Doing something you enjoy, such as spending time with friends or taking up a hobby, can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It’s crucial to dedicate time to play. Making time for entertainment is equally as important as making time for productivity.
Managing stress and anxiety is an important part of maintaining one's mental health and well-being. These simple self-care practices can provide relief when we're overwhelmed by life's challenges. Taking some time each day for yourself is crucial for managing stress and anxiety levels. Try incorporating some of these simple, but necessary tasks into your daily routine!
Written by Chelsea Dixon
Chelsea Dixon is the Founding Editor of Love U Magazine. She's also a freelance writer and content marketer in her spare time. To learn more about her vision for the magazine, read From the Editor's Desk on our About Page.
