When was the last time you truly took time to yourself to destress from the chaos of life? The American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” 2020 survey found that one in five adults believe their mental health is worse now compared to the previous year. Instead of leaving this stress untreated, consider dedicating at least ten minutes of your time to de-stressing your body daily.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a great way to find your center and bring yourself back to the present instead of ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. Slow, long exhalations can help slow down your heart rate when you’re experiencing stress.
Deep breathing can bring more oxygen to the brain and lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Try inhaling slowly through your nose for five seconds. Then, engage your diaphragm and exhale slowly to empty your lungs completely. Repeat this process and notice how you feel.
Take Time to Clean
Cleaning can be a great distraction from your stress. It can give you a sense of control, knowing the dirt and grime are gone because of your efforts.
A study published by Science Daily titled “Chore or Stress Reliever: Study Suggests That Washing Dishes Decreases Stress” found that people who washed dishes felt more clear-headed compared to those who did not clean.
Take a good look around your surroundings and see where there is room for improvement. You can partake in tasks like cleaning the dishes, vacuuming, wiping down counters, or anything else that needs to be in order. Once you check an item off your to-do list, you will feel better knowing that task is lifted off your shoulders.
Practice Gratitude
Stress can make it feel like the universe is working against you. In order to regain some perspective on life, write three to five things that make you feel grateful.
You can send cards or write thank-you notes to the friends, family, or colleagues that make your life great. Remind them how they have impacted your life and what they mean to you. Happiness can be contagious, so share in its joy with your loved ones. Reflecting on what you have instead of what you lack can increase happiness and positive emotions.
Relieving stress can be easier than you think. By dedicating at least ten minutes a day to relaxation, you can improve your stress.
When you are experiencing stress, it can sometimes feel impossible to move past it. The truth is that just ten minutes of your time can make a difference in centering yourself. Several activities can be done anywhere to help get your heart rate back to normal. At Alta Loma, we understand how difficult stress can be, and we are here to help you. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with individualized therapy, medication management, therapeutic recreational activities, and much more. Call (866) 457-3843 for more information.
