Stress is the term that most of us feel awkward about. It is a mental state that refrains us to cope with mental or emotional pressure. Besides, it lets us feel overwhelmed. Almost every one of us experiences stress at times in our life. The point is a little bit of stress is not an issue but very high stress, especially the chronic one, can affect your body. Extreme stress can cause many symptoms like headache, neck & shoulder pain, loss of appetite, back pain, heaviness in the chest, infections, bowel problems, tight contracted muscles, insomnia, tiredness, problem to focus, anger, apart from several other issues, both physical & mental.
Here in this blog, we have mentioned some of the ways to refresh mentally after a stressful day.
1. Express your thoughts in a paper
Are you among the one who loves to maintain daily diary writing? Or journaling your own thoughts? Then the good news for you is that you can get relieved by writing the causes of your stress or just expressing your feelings. Start by writing down anything that’s on your mind- worries, anxious thoughts, etc. Once you get out of your stressful thoughts from your head onto paper that helps you to understand the problems more deeply. As a result, you can gain control of your emotions. Journaling can also help with gratitude and your ability to recognize what’s truly important in your life. This is the first step if you’re asking yourself how to unwind and relax.
Related post – 14 effective ways to relieve stress
2. Listen to music
Music has an amazing effect on our nervous system. Once you throw on your favorite playlist it gives a soothing effect on your mind. Whether you’re on a walk, unplugging from social media, or journaling, listening to music can help brighten up your day. Research shows that music can also help slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. It helps with your daily chores also. You can unwind and find your daily chores less demanding.
3. Get some fresh air
You will get several benefits by spending time outside. As you move in the daylight you consume vitamin D which is scientifically proven to boost your mood. With a gust of fresh wind, you will feel your mind open and awaken your sense. Fresh air helps to send plenty of oxygen through the blood and allows your lungs to work at full capacity. Besides, as you look at the trees, the greenery helps you feel better. And you must know green is the color of happiness, comfort, hope, excitement, and a sense of peace.
4. Make some distance with social media
It’s hard in today’s world to unplug from social media because it gives us a feeling of being unplugged from the entire world. But you must be aware that although social media seems an amazing, creative platform it can be detrimental to our mental health. So, although it will take time for you to get de-touched from your phone, shut it off for a while.
5. Practice meditation
It is hard to meditate when you are stressed but it’s a fact that meditation helps to calm down our nerves. This is especially applicable for breathing exercises. Using slow and controlled breaths helps calm your nervous system, as opposed to quick, uncontrolled breaths naturally make you feel more stressed. Only 5-minute of guided meditation can help you to calm down naturally.
6. Spend some time with family or friends
This one is pretty self-explanatory. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, give your loved ones a call. Or even better, go and spend time with them. Even if you are not in a mood to talk being in the presence of family and friends can instantly make you feel more relaxed and safe.
7. Take a bath
Taking a bath after a stressful day can help you relax both physically and mentally. To add even more ambiance, you can light candles, play relaxing music, or read a book.
8. Read a book
Throw yourself on the couch with a good book and get lost in the pages. Try choosing a genre that will completely take your mind off everything else, like fiction, true crime, thrillers, or mystery.
9. Take a nap
Sometimes all we need is a short 30-minute nap to reset! A nap is like a restart button for life. It refreshes your brain.
10. Exercise
It’s a proven fact that exercising refreshes your mind as it releases endorphins that make you feel good and reduce stress. Going to the gym, doing yoga or even going for regular walks definitely helps in making you feel better after a hectic day. In fact, stretching your muscles can ease all the tension.