When it comes to juggling work, school, and family time, you really have to be ready for some stressful, hectic days. For some, it can take a week or two before they are ready to blow the gasket. But for some others, they can begin to feel the strain even after a day. Regardless of which group you belong, you need relaxation activities during your hectic days to maintain productivity and focus. Work-related stress is not a joke as it is one of the world’s main causes of anxiety, and, according to Forbes, it can hinder productivity.
Tips for relaxation during the hectic days
1. Take a long walk
Exercising is good for overall health and well-being and is also good for helping relieve stress. After work, spend an hour walking in the park, biking, doing yoga, swimming, or playing your favourite sport. The moment you sweat out and feel your heart rate rise, you can also feel the stress leaving your body and relaxation setting in. These activities help keep your mind off work.
2. Listen to music
Music is therapeutic. And if you’re the type who loves music, then, get your iPod and listen to your favourite songs. To fully relax, you can go for classical music as this is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and induce relaxation. You can also do your other hobbies like painting. Just think of what relaxes you, then do that.
3. Turn off your screen
If you are the kind of person who has his work email and Teams app on his phone, then, turn it off after work or during the weekends. Seeing or hearing alerts that raise your heart rate won’t help you relax. Even looking at social media sites should be avoided, especially at times when you’re really feeling low. When you see people post their happy moments, you’ll tend to compare it to your life and start asking why you’re not as happy as they are.
4. Cook up a great meal
Cooking might not be for everyone, but according to an article by the New York Daily News, it’s actually beneficial for treating stress and a broken heart as well as curing boredom and anxiety. You don’t have to cook like Rachel Ray because what we’re after is being able to tap your creative side. And if you successfully pull off a recipe, it makes you feel good and accomplished.
5. Watch a funny movie
When stressed out, horror movies and tragic love stories need to take a backseat. Romantic comedy and outright comedy movies are better because what kind of stress can’t a good laugh remove, right? Along with exercise, laughter has been proven to relieve stress, muscle tension, and pain, as well as release endorphins.
6. Get a massage
Not all people like massage, but it can help relieve stress-related muscle tension. This is especially true for people who have a physically-demanding job and those who work in the field. A once-weekly massage, especially on Friday night, can help relieve sore muscles and get you pumped up for the weekend.
7. Enjoy a long drive
Hop in your car, put on your favourite music at high volume, and just leave the rest of the world behind as you drive through the countryside. Open your windows and let the breeze engulf you as you enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Stress-relief and relaxation don’t have to be expensive. And you can choose to do it with friends and family or by yourself. Remember, stress kills, so take the time to unwind and take a step back to keep your mental health in check.
