Summer vacation is over, and it’s back to the grind: work, school and extracurricular activities. If getting back into the groove of things has you feeling stressed, here are 8 ways to easily de-stress.
Meditate
Just a few minutes of meditation a day can help you reduce stress by drowning out the clutter of daily life and focusing on the present. Learn more here.
Exercise
Exercise produces endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that make you feel good. Exercise can also improve the ability to sleep, which also helps reduce stress.
Sleep
According to the American Psychological Association, when people don’t get enough sleep, their bodies do not get the full benefits of sleep, such as muscle repair and memory consolidation, and sleep deprivation can affect memory, judgment and mood. It is recommended that adults sleep 7-9 hours a night.
Go Outside
Eat lunch outside, take an afternoon walk, or just step outside during a work break. Getting outside for just 5 minutes a day can help reduce stress.
Have a Healthy Snack
Feeling hangry? (That’s hungry + angry, by the way.) Grabbing a small, healthy snack can help you feel better. Check out this listfrom Fitness Magazine of smart snacks for stress relief.
Socialize
Socialization is an important component of stress reduction because it can decrease a sense of loneliness and increase feelings of safety, security, belonging and enjoyment. If you’re feeling stressed, plan a night out with some friends, or just give one of them a call.
Smile
You know what they say: Fake it ‘till you make it. When you’re feeling stressed out, smiling (even if it’s fake) can actually make you feel instantly better.
Unplug
Close your laptop, silence your cell phone and take some time for yourself. In today’s digital world, people frequently feel they must always be on-call and reachable. If you’re feeling stressed, take some time to unplug and do something that helps you relax.