Stress—the word invokes a lot of negative energy. If you think about it, there’s not a single person who hasn’t gone through stressful times in recent times. It’s like a parasite that piggy-backs on your troubles. Whether it’s at the office or personal life, some things are out of your control that just stress you out. So, when you can’t change the situation the best solution there is, is to let go. But the brain doesn’t get this, does it? So, here are a few ways to calm the mind.
Morning pages
When you get stressed there are generally a hundred things running in your brain. The best way to get control of this is by writing them all down and tackling them one at a time. Morning pages help you clear your mind first thing in the morning. Write all your thoughts in a diary. Go back and read them. See if there are tasks that need your attention that day. Write them in your to-do list, and the rest? See the emotions and feelings you’ve laid out and sense what you need. This is like a self-counseling session without the fees.
Journaling
While morning pages might help you word vomit in the morning, journaling is a more fun way to get things out. Your journal need not be black and white with words. Pour your heart out. Add color, draw, and do other things to express what you need to. Journaling is fun, but don’t overcomplicate it. That is when the intention to de-stress adds to your stress. Have you ever felt that you’re not journaling enough or panic when you missed? That’s by complicating the process. Keep it simple but fun. If someday you don’t want to write, just write that down. It’s your personal space without any judgment.
Deep Breaths
With stress comes a sense of panic and helplessness. To help avoid such thoughts, take a deep breath. Doesn’t help? Take another one. Repeat till you feel your body slowly relax and let go. Make sure you do this while sitting or sleeping but not while driving. Boxed breathing is also a great technique to employ. Breathe in for a count of 4, hold for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts, and then again hold for 4 counts.
Mindfulness
Being present in the current moment also helps you battle stress. Stress, to put it simply, is the thoughts of the future that wage a war in your mind. If there’s a task that you can do NOW that changes an outcome, do it. Otherwise, make sure you focus on the present and do those tasks diligently. It could be simple things like savoring a cup of coffee or enjoying a walk. Present is what matters.
Strategic breaks
I use this policy of taking breaks throughout the day so my body can stretch and my mind can think outside the box. When you’re continuously working or doing something your body builds pressure and the mind can zone out. Try to take breaks actively throughout the day. Plan a vacation or a simple me-time every other weekend. Recharge and then get back with a fresh mindset.
Move your body
If you’re at a desk job, move around every 40 minutes once. This helps you take mindful breaks and helps the back as well. Go get a cup of tea or just visit a colleague and have a simple chat. Drink some water and get back to work. Or you could simply do a stretch at the office. Wiggle your fingers and toes, let your hands move around for a bit, stretch your legs and back.
Meditation
Yes, this sounds boring. But actually, your brain needs a hug. Meditation can help comfort it. After running for so long, any machine gets tired. Your mind is not immune to this. Sleep is a good way to get this but meditation can help discipline your mind, avoid distractions, and keep stress at bay. Just start with a five-minute session and then see how that helps.
Creative Outlet
Not every aspect of your life is fulfilled by being analytical. One side of your brain loves being creative. Whether it is by singing a tune you love or simply doodling. Find something you’re passionate about that exercises the right side of your brain and let loose.
Laugh
Yes, laughing! Have you seen the elders at a park doing their morning laugh session? That’s one way to release happiness hormones that give you the anti-stress you need. You don’t have to force it. Watching a funny movie, reading a comedy, or even stand-up comedy for half an hour a day can give you your serotonin fix.
Organize
Have you met people who love cleaning and organizing? Well, that is also one outlet. Chaos leads to attention deficit. So, a messy surrounding can add to your mind’s mayhem. Keeping things organized works in two ways. It gives you a distraction you need to focus on and inspire discipline. And, it also helps to keep everything within reach and not make you add things to your to-do list like cleaning.
Nature Therapy
Spend time unplugged! We’re living in a truly wonderful time. Technology has hit its peak. But, that same technology is making things more difficult. Whether it is Instagram scrolling or constantly wanting to check your phone. Imagine 10 minutes of scrolling leads to different emotions like happiness, sadness, anger and more. If this continues for hours, your mind is at a flux about what is happening. So take time to take a walk in the park, enjoy a sunset or find peace in nature. This doesn’t require you to hit a vacation spot. All this is also in your city.