Our Top 5 Ways to Destress

By Alexis Reid

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Be Mindful

Mindfulness is all about staying in the present moment by focusing and sensing all that we may be feeling and letting any negative feelings or thoughts slip away. Ways to practice being mindful include:

• Breathing exercises

Try to focus on your breathing for a minute or two, deep breaths in and deep breaths out.

• Meditate

Pair some breathing exercises with meditation or even try a guided meditation online.

• Say some positive affirmations

I am worthy; I am strong; I am capable; I can do this!

• Practice Gratitude

Write down a list of things you are grateful for, sometimes life may get so chaotic we forget all the things we DO have!

Relax

Relaxation is the act of becoming calm, rested, and release tension. The perceived health benefits our favourite relaxation methods are endless but we will give you the top reasons we use them:

• Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy also has many health benefits like reducing stress, agitation, anxiety, headaches and migraines, and it also improves your sleep quality.

• Book a Massage

Going for a massage not only helps you relax but it can also help improve circulation, reduce stress hormones, reduce muscle tension, help with anxiety, high blood pressure, and insomnia, among many other positive health benefits!

• Take a Hot Bath

Baths are a great way to relax because they help to not only relieve muscle pain but they can also help you to sleep better as well as elevate your mood.

• Listen to something you enjoy

Whether you have a favourite podcast or a relaxation playlist. Music or calming voices can definitely assist you in creating a relaxing and stress free atmosphere.

Exercise

Exercise is always a quick way to boost your endorphins and reduce your body’s stress hormones. Some ways we like to boost those feel good chemicals are:

• Yoga

Yoga is a great way to check in with your body. It helps to relieve stress, reduce muscle tension, inflammation and calms and centres the nervous system. Its great for both your mind and your body.

• Go for a Walk or Hike Outside

Sometimes it’s helpful to reconnect with nature. A study conducted by the University of East Anglia found that exposure to green space reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure.

• Boxing

If you’re into more of a vigorous or fast paced workout boxing is a great way to give you that feeling of inner strength. Not only will you get those endorphins pumping but you can safely let out any pent up aggression you may be experiencing in a safe environment.

Create

Creating is a great way to focus your mind and control your thoughts. It is also a great way to express yourself. Being in a creative flow has been proven to slow your heart rate down which is great for people who suffer from anxiety and depression.

• Write

You may not want to pour your heart out on your blog, but writing how you’re feeling in a journal can be a great way for you to gain some control of your feelings back. It’s also a great way to keep track of what you’re going through and track your growth.

• Draw or Paint

Both drawing and painting is a great way to express your deepest inner emotions in a safe environment. Exploring our emotions through art can help us to better understand what triggers feelings such as happiness, sadness, anger or love. Art therapy is a great way to cope with stress and to learn about ourselves and help develop better coping methods.

Connect

The need for social connection is - human. The busyness of our everyday lives sometimes can create a disconnect between ourselves and our loved ones.

The Canadian Mental Health Association reported that “social connection can lower anxiety, depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our life at risk.”

• Visit or Call a friend or family member

Nothing beats the real thing! Meeting up with your friends and family is a fast way to feel connected again with your people. If you’re not able to meet in person talking on the phone is a quick and easy way to check in. Set up a video date with your significant other, best friend or family, it helps to see a familiar face every now and again.

• Get a pet

Pets have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, especially cats and dogs. Make sure to check out your local shelters before purchasing an animal but either way, pets make great companions at any age!

• Take advantage of Social Media

As we all know there are a variety of different apps out there that make you feel connected. Finding your niche and or tribe can feel relieving. Try new apps and see which you feel more connected with. For me, sending funny memes on instagram will forever be the bread and butter.

Whether you’re having a great day or a not so great one, putting any of these stress relievers into your daily routine is a definite way to boost your mood. Just remember, this too shall pass.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health please know there is always someone to talk to. You are not alone.

Canada Suicide Prevention Service:

1-833-456-4566 or SMS 741741