15+ Effective Stress-Relievers For A Positive Life

You might have heard this phrase multiple times but you cannot deny that “Stress is an inevitable part of life.” No matter, if the problems are major or minor, we certainly cannot control them. However, one thing which is in our control is the “STRESS!”

Now, the question arises, how do we manage stress when life knocks us down or becomes really tough? Well, there are effective ways or techniques that can help in managing stress. Such effective techniques not only manage your stress but also calm down your mind and body. Clearly, what works for one person might not work for you.

Therefore, I have created a list of 15+ Effective Stress-relievers techniques for those gloomy days. For your better understanding and usage, I have divided this blog into four major sections so that you can save this blog for future use as well.

Read this blog and pick a strategy that works for you. So, let’s get started.

This blog is divided into four major sections:

• Short-term strategies
• Fast-acting strategies
• Long-term strategies
• Problem-focused coping strategies

Short-Term Strategies

Benefits of short-term strategies are that it can be performed anywhere, it takes less time, provides instant relief, and is free to use. Below are some tools or strategies that can be used for short-term stress management:

1. Meditation

Meditation has short-term as well as long-term benefits. There are various forms of meditation that you can easily try and the best part about all types of meditation is that they are unique and serves different benefits along with stress management. You can try:

• Guided Meditation
• Body-scan meditation
• Vipassana Meditation
• Focused meditation
• Music Meditation
• Pet meditation
• Metta Meditation
• Walking Meditation

2. Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is one of the best stress management techniques I have witnessed. It revolves around imagination. You can begin by imagining yourself in a happy place like the beach, sitting in a park, feeling the breeze, or sitting under the sun with warm sand. It’s all about imagining yourself in a peaceful and serene scene. You don’t need any guidance regarding this; you can do it on your own. All you have to do is to close your eyes and let the imagination juices flow through your mind.

3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is a relaxation exercise that relaxes all your muscles one by one. In order to begin with progressive muscle relaxation, you can start by taking some deep breaths. Then, tighten and relax each muscle group. You can begin with your forehead and move towards your toes. With time and practice, you will be able to do it more effectively. Each time you practice it, you will be experiencing a whole new relaxed muscle in your body.

4. Focused-Breathing

By focusing on your breathing or altering the way of breathing can make your stress go away instantly. Focused breathing helps you in calming your brain and body in a few minutes. The best part of focused breathing is that you can practice it in the middle of a meeting as well.

5. Nature Walk

Walking has its own benefits; it not only distracts our minds but also refreshes our bodies. Just walking for a few minutes in a different environment can change our state of mind and it is a form of exercise as well. So, whenever you feel stressed, take a 5-minute walk nearby (like the park, beach, or near any natural scenery).

Fast-Acting Strategies

You can take the help of fast-acting strategies in your own home. If you are having a rough day or having a burnout, try these strategies for instant stress relief:

6. Hug Your Loved One

Physical touch is one of the best ways to relieve stress instantly. Especially, a hug from a loved one can be really beneficial. Research shows that whenever we hug someone, it releases oxytocin. Oxytocin is related to happiness hormones. Oxytocin also reduces blood pressure and provides a sense of relaxation. Therefore, keep hugging and keep spreading love and happiness around.

7. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is widely used as a stress management strategy. Aromatherapy makes you feel relaxed, energized, and more mindful. You can pick up your favorite aroma from your collection and do it right away without any hassle. Aromatherapy actually alters your brain wave activity and helps in reducing stress hormones.

8. Show Your Artistic Side

Showing or revealing your creative side will bring you calmness, joy, and happiness. You can simply take out your painting kit or can consider filling colors into any adult coloring book. You can also try mandala art for instant stress relief. Art therapy is one of the widely accepted ways of managing or controlling stress.

9. Try Natural Bath Detox

A good warm and natural bath can take away stress from your body and mind and in return, it will freshen you from inside as well. All you have to do is to add ingredients in the bath and release toxins that bring stress. You can try bentonite clay detox bath, salt detox bath, oxygen detox bath, and mustard detox bath for instant stress relief.

Long-Term Strategies

The below-mentioned long-term strategies will help you with resilience and will increase overall wellness.

10. Start having a Balanced Diet

A poor diet can be a major reason behind stress and anxiety. Therefore, try to avoid emotional eating, fat eating, and high-sugar foods that impact your mental and physical wellbeing. Instead, start with a healthy and balanced diet like eggs, veggies, avocados, and nuts which prevent mood dysregulation.

11. Leisure Activities

Start consuming more time in leisure activities like games, entertainment, or hobbies. Leisure activities not only help with stress management but also help in boosting your productivity and creativity more efficiently. You can also try spending some time in your garden or in your community.

12. Positive Self-talk

Try to develop a habit of positive self-talk so that you can overcome self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative predictions. You should start with replacing “I can’t” to “I will” or “I should.” A positive outlook towards yourself helps in building a better personality (professionally and personally). It also increases optimism and compassion towards yourself.

13. Yoga

We all are aware of the physical and mental health benefits of yoga. Yoga is an excellent technique for stress management. If you are a beginner, you can start by enrolling yourself in yoga classes. You can also try online yoga programs, or you can also download apps that help with learning yoga.

14. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude provides us a sense of belief and satisfaction. You can start by listing 5 things you are grateful for every day. It is one of the best ways to cope with stress and it is quite empowering as well. You can also begin by maintaining a gratitude journal.

15. Exercise

Like yoga, daily exercising can help with an overall improvement of wellbeing and it also helps in managing stress. You can start by joining a gym, going to the park, or enrolling in classes. You can try strength training, hiking, spinning, walking, or kayaking. To read the benefits of exercise, click here.

Problem-Focused Coping Strategies

Below are some effective problem-focused coping strategies that will help with managing stress:

16. Make a to-do list

If you are stressed due to overworking or hectic scheduling, you can begin with making to-do lists or using daily planners to reduce your workload and hectic working hours. If you are stuck with household work, you can make a weekly planner which will help you in managing your household chores and office work as well.

17. Seek Social Support

Social support is the key to managing stress. Having positive and supportive people by your side can really help in boosting your overall mental wellbeing. you can communicate your feelings or needs with your family member or loved one so that they can help you.

18. Cut out toxic or Negative People

The best way to reduce stress in your life is to cut down the sources of negativity or toxicity. If you think someone is constantly causing stress to you or is the reason behind your everyday stress, cut them from your life and see how instantly your stress disappears.

I hope this blog helps you with customizing your list for effective stress management strategies. Comment down and share your pick from the list. For more such content, connect with us on all social media platforms.

Thanks for reading!

Till then…stay calm and keep reading.