De-Stress in 5 Minutes
Work, family, and just life in general can get stressful many days. Instead of stressing or screaming, you can learn some tips for de-stressing that only take a few minutes out of your day. Pick one that works for you and the next time you feel like you just can’t take one more thing, try one of these five tasks to take the stress levels down a notch (or two!)
1. Get some sunshine (and vitamin D)
Taking a short walk or just sitting in the sunshine can boost your mood and lower your stress levels.
2. Make a list
If your stress comes from having too many things to do, then spend five minutes making a list of everything you need to get done. Just getting the tasks down on paper (or in your phone) will relieve the pressure and help you to think less about all the things you need to accomplish.
3. Tea time?
The British have something going with tea time. Sipping tea (especially Green tea)slows you down for a minute and is soothing. If you drink tea several times a day, your stress levels are significantly reduced.
4. Breathe in….
If you feel like you are just going to lose it, step away and take deep breathes in and exhale more slowly. Focusing on your breathing really centers your mind and distracts you from whatever situation was causing you to be anxious.
5. Chew Gum or Eat Chocolate
Chewing gum is oddly relaxing and if you choose a peppermint flavor it will perk you up in a positive way. Some studies have shown that gum chewing makes you more productive, too! Chocolate (in small amounts) can be a mood booster as well. Dark chocolate has been proven to make you feel better and less stressed. Get the mini bars of chocolate so you can just have a little bit when you need it.
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I’ve heard that drinking tea can have a calming effect on some. I will have to try to sit and sip a cup of tea.
Taking a walk is key especially since it gets you out of the messy house and into the beautiful outdoors.
I could definitely use these tips right now! The past few weeks have been pretty stressful!
I love how you clarified that chocolate needs to be in small amounts LOL Great ideas! I do some of them already!
I always find no matter what is going on if I stop and take a cup of tea my stress level dramatically decreases!
I’ll have to keep these in mind when I’m traveling. When I’m on a tight schedule the stress really rolls in.
I think just 5 minutes to myself is what refreshing for me.. I like having a MNO too.
I’m always doing breathing exercises. Anxiety sucks!
Tea time, yes! Chocolate is another good one, too! 😛
I love that you give us something we can do and get stress under control so quickly!
I am putting this up all over my home!
I love doing deep breaths to relax. I try to really focus on the air i am breathing in like it is light and cleansing my body of the negative feelings. As i breath out i picture all the stress leaving my body. This can be done anywhere and really helps me to calm down.
These are effective ways to de-stress. Spending a few minutes in the garden and seeing the greens also works.
while I do all of your tips except yoga it’s way to slow for me. I do jazzercize and it’s so fun and it’s a super charge of energy. I love it.
Making a list is a great de-stress tip.. one I hardly ever see on stress busting lists. For my, it helps put things in perspective.
Making a list always helps me. If I have time I will take a small nap or drink some hot tea.
We all go through stress almost every day in our hectic life & these are some great tips to de-stress pretty quick & easy. I have always loved taking a short walk when I am depressed & that has helped a lot making a huge difference in my energy level as well.
Such good tips. I’m all about figuring out how to de stress lately.
Ah, I feel like you wrote this just for me! I really need to de-stress. Things have been rough lately and anything quick that can help is worth a try for me.
Thanks for the great tips on how to destress. I have also found scheduling things out and cutting projects in sections help as well.
I am going to have to give these tips a try – I am always having such issues with stress. x