daily stress reduction tips
Some common approaches to dealing with stress may make things worse in the long-term. Here are some stress-reduction strategies to avoid:
- Attempting to make everything in life stress-free.
- Focusing on every event and constantly reminding yourself to relax.
- Regularly avoiding the feeling of emotions (e.g., sadness, anger, joy, fear).
- Using only short-term fixes or escapes, such as long vacations.
- Relying on addictive behaviors.
Instead, try these daily stress reduction tips. Gradually try to incorporate these strategies into your life.
- Add something beautiful to your life on a daily basis, such as flowers or music.
- Do some enjoyable activities whenever possible.
- Walk, work, and eat at a relaxed pace.
- Take a short break after meals to relax.
- If possible, go outside at least once per day and notice the simple things such as the weather or scenery.
- During the day, whenever you remember, notice any tension in your body (jaw, neck, shoulders). Breathe deeply and gently stretch and relax any tense areas.
- If you notice your mind racing or worrying about the past or future, take a minute to breathe deeply. Gently focus on something in the moment such as the feel of your breathing, the visual scenery, the sound of birds.
- Take breaks during the workday to relax.
- Wear comfortable and loose clothing when possible. Take off your shoes when you can.
- Avoid holding in feelings day after day. Instead, find a safe place to feel, express, and embrace them.
Above all, be gentle and patient with yourself. Some people find themselves falling back into excessively stressful habits from time to time. That is perfectly normal. Simply notice that change in a non-judgmental way and refocus on the stress reduction practices that will promote a healthy way of life.
