Between keeping the house clean, running the kids to soccer practice, getting that work project done, and all the other responsibilities we have to take care of who has time to relax? If you feel overworked, over-tired, and overwhelmed then taking time to relax is vital for both a healthy body and mind. Here is a list of 10 ways to relax that take about 10 minutes or less:
Remember to Breathe
There is no simpler way to relax than to take a few deep, slow breaths. No need to do some fancy breathing technique, just focus on your breaths. But if you’re into it there are many different types of breathing exercises you can try. Find one that works for you!
Give Yourself a Hand Massage
It would be wonderful if we could get a professional massage anytime we felt stressed but unfortunately that isn’t the case for most of us. Try giving yourself a hand massage instead! This works even better with some nice hand lotion. Massages can be especially helpful for people who spend a lot of time typing on a keyboard.
Get Out in the Sun
If it’s a sunny day, go outside and soak in some bright, warm rays. Bright light can be a powerful, positive stress buster and light therapy has even been shown to be an effective treatment for depression.
Stretch
If you sit at a desk for most of your day like I do, then stand up for a quick stretch from time to time in order to relieve muscle tension and reduce stress. You can even find simple desk exercise routines to do during the work day.
Take a Brisk Walk
Solvitur ambulando is a Latin phrase which means “it is solved by walking.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like you can’t concentrate, go for a quick walk outside. It can help you to calm your mind, gather your thoughts, and come back to your work refreshed and ready to tackle that to do list.
Listen to Your Favorite Song
Whatever you like to listen to be it Rock, Country, Pop, Dance, Hip-Hop, or Modern Pan Flute put on your favorite tune and let the music soothe your soul.
Try Aromatherapy
There are many scents that promote relaxation such as citrus, lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood. Try using some essential oils with these scents or lighting a candle. The soothing scents can help with both stress and anxiety.
Talk to a Friend
Sometimes the best way to deal with our worries is to talk them out with a trusted confidant. Reach out to a friend, family member, coworker, clergy or anyone that will lend an ear to talk about what’s troubling you.
Laugh
As the old saying goes, “laughter is the best medicine” so it can be helpful to have a cache of funny pictures, jokes, stories, and cat videos (after all, what else is the internet for?) to turn to when you’re feeling stressed.
Write it Down
Simply writing “today I feel STRESSED” can help you separate yourself from those overwhelming worries and make them less scary and less important. That way you can set them aside and focus your energy on something more important.
The next time you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed take just 10 minutes to relax with one of the items on this list.
