Do you struggle to cope with stress? Have you tried getting more sleep, meditating, or booking a massage once a week? Have you been to a therapist or tried talking to a friend? Stress is something, which most of us have to deal with at some point. We’re all different, and sometimes, conventional coping mechanisms don’t work for all of us. If stress is getting you down, why not give these remedies a whirl?
Getting creative
If you’re under pressure, getting creative probably isn’t top of your to-do list. But you may be surprised at how effective activities like painting and coloring can be. Your mind will be focused on something different, and you can use your creativity to channel any frustration or pent-up anger. Many singers and artists say that drawing or writing a song is like a form of therapy for them. You don’t need to be incredibly talented to reap the benefits of engaging in creative pursuits. There’s no pressure to produce something amazing. Just have fun, take time to think about something different, and relax.
Image credit https://pixabay.com/en/painter-painting-brush-draw-person-1304505/
Channeling aggression in a positive way
Do you get angry easily? Do you find it hard to keep your cool? If so, why not use these emotions and feelings to do something positive. Exercise is a great idea, and there are some fantastic sports you can try. Martial arts, boxing, and kickboxing are all renowned for providing a release. You can burn excess energy, and distract your mind from things like work or financial problems. When you hit a bag or pad, you can feel the tension leaving your body. Exercise also releases endorphins, which will lift your mood. You may also find that you sleep better. A lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of stress.
Image via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Personal_Training_Outdoors_-_Boxing.JPG
Bubble those worries away
Many of us reach for the bubble bath and some candles after a long day. But what about taking it a step further and investing in a hot tub? When you hear the word hot tub, you probably think of raucous parties in the movies. But there’s a good reason you find them at almost every spa. There’s nothing like warm, rippling water to make you feel more relaxed. Switch on the fairy lights, put on some soothing music and let your troubles melt away. If you’re interested in buying a tub, look out for hot tub advice online or visit a showroom.
Image by https://www.flickr.com/photos/x1brett/1146982355
Creature comforts
Research shows that spending time with animals can help to reduce stress levels. The unconditional love a cat or dog shows you can reassure you and cheer you up when you’re feeling down. This is not just a rose-tinted vision of the world. Some universities in the UK enable students to pet puppies in the run-up to exams. Therapy dogs are also used widely in the US to help nervous dental patients to relax. If you don’t own a pet, visit a cat cafe or offer to take a friend’s dog for a walk.
Image taken from https://pixabay.com/en/woman-dog-pacsi-paw-hobby-pet-888409/
Stress can really take its toll on our physical and mental health. If tried and tested coping methods haven’t worked, why not give these stress-busting suggestions a go?
