Stress is a common problem in our world today. Stress can affect multiple areas of the body, including both mental, emotional, and physical health. Having techniques to cope with the daily stressors of life is important, even if you’re not experiencing extreme stress levels.
According to The American Institute of Stress, about 33 percent of people report feeling extreme stress and 77 percent of people have stress that impacts their mental health.
Here are some basic techniques that you can add to your daily routine to mentally refresh after a stressful day at work or school.
- Write down your thoughts.
Journaling is one of the best mental health practices you can add to your daily routine. It’s as simple as just taking some time to write down your thoughts, insights, or emotions. You can write, draw, or type out your thoughts—whatever you feel most comfortable with. Journaling can reduce anxiety, help you get your thoughts down in an organized way so you’re not so overwhelmed, creates awareness, regulates emotions, encourages opening up and being honest with yourself, and can become a calming and relaxing daily habit.
- Get some fresh air.
Spending time outside is very helpful for both our physical and mental health. Sunlight gives you a boost of vitamin D, with is proven to boost your mood. Being outside and getting fresh air is so vital. It’s scientifically proven that the color green is often associated psychologically with happiness, comfort, hope, excitement, and peace. Being outside is peaceful. Feeling a nice breeze can open your mind and awaken your senses in a refreshing way that you might need after a stressful day.
- Unplug from social media.
In an age where social media surrounds our interactions and time, it’s difficult to unplug because it might feel like we are unplugging from the world. Sometimes, especially when you need a break, it’s okay to unplug from the overwhelming world of social media. This mindful practice can help you take a break from the constant overload of information we receive on a daily basis. Without the opportunity to mindlessly scroll through your TikTok or Instagram feed, maybe you can develop a new hobby or skill. Take some “me time” to reflect on how you’re feeling personally and be intentional about refreshing your mind and attitude.
- Exercise.
Exercise is one of the basic and classic tools used to destress. Whether it’s learning and developing a new workout routine, or simply just taking a walk in your neighborhood, moving your body means you’re engaging your mind. If you’re on a computer screen all day, stressing about work and school, exercising gives you the opportunity to focus on both your mental and physical health in a positive way. You’ll probably even sleep better too!!
- Read a book or find a hobby.
There are many reasons why you should read every day: reading increases mental stimulation to the brain, increases your ability to empathize, reduces stress and anxiety, alleviates depression symptoms, increases your vocabulary, prepares you for a good night’s sleep, and so much more. The benefits are endless. Diving into a book and taking a break from the stressors of life will definitely give you a refresh at the end of a crazy day. Though everyone should read, if this doesn’t seem like a good stress-reducing practice for you, find a different hobby like writing, sowing, drawing, or coloring. These are all great practices to help you refresh mentally after a stressful day!
