This has been a stressful year. From a global pandemic that changed the daily lives of practically every American to wildfires that are still ravaging the west coast, 2020 hasn’t been easy. Even amidst natural disasters, pandemics, and movements for racial justice, everyone needs to find ways to relax. Your mental and physical health depend on you utilizing effective methods to calm your mind and release tension in your muscles. Read on to learn more about a few activities to help you de-stress after a year that been unlike any other.
Go for a Walk
This is a great activity for de-stressing because its simple, free, and can be done while social distancing from other people. By taking a walk, you can enjoy a change of scenery, which is often effective in immediately getting you into a different frame of mind.
You’ll also enjoy the benefits of exercise, whether you go for a short stroll around the block or a long hike in the park. If you do decide to go on a hike, just be sure you are prepared. Not only will you need sufficient food and water, but you need to protect yourself against sunburns and poison ivy rashes. Poison ivy is in every state except for Alaska and Hawaii and at least 85% of people are allergic to this plant. With the west coast experiencing many wildfires, you’ll also want to make sure that the air quality is good enough to be outside and that you steer clear of any areas currently in danger from the fires.
Hug a Loved One
If you can safely hug a loved one, you should. Physical touch is great at relieving stress, especially in the form of hugs. Oxytocin, which is also known as the cuddle hormone, releases in your body when you hug someone. This hormone is linked with higher levels of happiness, lower levels of stress, and a reduction in blood pressure. Don’t be afraid to ask for a hug from a loved one who you live with or who you know is COVID-negative when you’re feeling stressed. This simple activity can go a long way in making you feel better.
Practice Yoga
If you’re looking for an activity to de-stress that’s more long-term, try yoga. Yoga is the most-used mind and body practice for about 9.5% of adults in the United States. It combined light exercise, meditation, physical movement, and controlled breathing, all of which provide stress relief. In-person yoga classes may not be available yet in your area because of the pandemic, but many yoga teachers have started giving online classes that you can do from home. You could even use an app or YouTube video to begin practicing.
Eat a Balanced Diet
You may feel a temporary sense of relief when you east high-fat or high-sugar foods, but constantly choosing these foods will likely add to your long-term stress. The refined carbs in a lot of junk food can cause a spike in blood sugar and when that crashes, you may experience more anxiety and stress. Try to eat a healthier diet with foods like eggs and avocados and save the refined carbs for occasional treats. In addition, try to add foods rich in antioxidants to your diet. Fruits like blueberries and maqui berries are high in antioxidants, and they’re the perfect snack.
Make Time for Your Hobbies
One of the best ways to de-stress is to do leisure activities that you enjoy. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people struggle to prioritize their hobbies because they don’t feel like they have enough time in their lives. If you want to feel more relaxed, make sure you build time for leisure into your schedule. Whether that means you spend that time gardening, reading, or learning about things like Art Therapy, which was discovered about 80 years ago, doing things you like and find interesting will make you feel better.
2020 has been a tough year, but you don’t have to let the stress overpower your life. Find the de-stressing strategies that work well for you and make an effort to keep up with them. By ensuring that you have ways to relax and de-stress, you can start being your best self again.
