No matter the season, life can throw curveballs our way – and we often find ourselves feeling stressed and overwhelmed as we juggle work, family, hobbies, and other commitments. While worries and concerns will always be a part of life, how we manage them can make a big difference in how much we are able to enjoy our day-to-day routines.
This week, we’re going to dive into twelve healthy ways to destress this fall. And the cherry on top? All of these ideas are 100% free! You don’t need to break the bank to destress, find time for yourself, and re-center with a more positive mindset. Let’s take a look at these twelve top strategies to set yourself up for de-stressed success!
#1: Fit Movement Into Your Day
We know, you’ve heard this one before – but finding time to exercise has proven benefits when it comes to behavioral health and mental health. If you are looking for mood disorders treatment and support, exercising is one of the best remedies for feeling stagnant or down. Why? Exercise is a natural stress reliever because it releases endorphins, “feel-good” chemicals that can boost your mood! You don’t have to be pumping weights in the gym either – taking a brisk walk is just as effective when it comes to exercising for stress reduction.
#2: Laugh
Not every ailment can be cured by a good sense of humor – but it can help you feel better in the moment. Even if you have to force a fake laugh, the process of laughing releases positive brain chemicals and can help you start to bring on a better mood. While laughing will not cure behavioral issues, it can be a great tool to reduce stress.
#3: Practice Meditation
Meditation is the practice of inward-focused thought and deep breathing. When you meditate, you can help clear away all of the overload of thoughts that might be building up throughout your day. At wellness centers in Maryland, like Triumph Behavioral Health, our holistic nurse practitioner therapists can help you explore tools like meditation as part of your individualized treatment plan.
#4: Eat a Balanced Diet
Regularly consuming a well-balanced diet will often help you feel better both mentally and physically. You want to ensure that your meals consist of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein – and remember, don’t skip meals! It’s not good for your metabolism or digestion, and it can also put you in a bad mood. We’ve all been “hangry” before, and it is never a recipe for having a productive or enjoyable day.
#5: Take a Bath
Taking a hot bath or shower might be the key to reducing daily stress. In fact, hot water is known to help release endorphins (remember those “feel good” chemicals we talked about with regard to exercising?) and increase blood flow to the skin. Warm baths can even help improve breathing, reduce the risk of heart attacks, and lower blood pressure. Talk about benefits!
#6: Read a Book
In order to give your mind a break from stress, try to integrate some downtime into your schedule. Downtime does not have to mean literally doing nothing – you can enjoy a relaxing activity like reading a book, knitting, practicing yoga, or trying out meditation.
#7: Listen to Soothing Music
Both listening to music and playing music can be good stress releases. Music can help you relax, distract you from worrying thoughts, and help you connect with your emotions. Whether you like belting out show tunes in your car, singing in the shower, or simply lying down to breathe deeply while listening to instrumental melodies, music is an excellent stress relief tool.
#8: Try New Time Management Strategies
Time management can be very difficult when you have many responsibilities to juggle. If you are feeling overwhelmed by different commitments and even by the needs of others, you could try to experiment with new time management strategies to find the one that works best for you. Remember, it is never a bad time to ask for help. Behavioral health practitioners and therapists can also aid you in building your toolbox of coping strategies.
#9: Socialize With People Who Lift You Up
When you are feeling stressed or irritable, it can be tempting to isolate yourself. It might seem easier to spend time alone or in an environment where you do not have to expend social energy. However, socializing is a good stress reliever as it can offer a distraction from the issues occupying your mind and give you support through hard times. See if you can squeeze in a coffee break with a friend this week!
#10: Spend Time Outdoors
Spending time in outdoor green spaces can be great for your mental and physical health. It can help reduce stress, and walking or exercising outdoors amplifies these benefits. If you can carve out time to enjoy fresh air this week, it can make a big difference in your stress levels!
#11: Catch Up on Sleep
Stress and anxiety can lead to trouble falling asleep. When you feel overwhelmed by tasks and stressed that not everything is going to get done, your sleep can suffer. However, it is important to remember that you need sleep so that your brain and body can recharge. Most adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. If you are having trouble sleeping or are worried about your sleep health, you might consider looking into sleep therapy near me.
#12: Ask for Help
If you are facing amplified stressors or challenging life events – or if self-care measures simply are not doing the job – it might be time to think about therapy or counseling. At Triumph Behavioral Health, we offer services for clients of all ages, including counseling services for seniors. We are a Maryland wellness center here to help you realize the benefits of psychotherapy and medication management. If you are looking for skilled mental health providers in Maryland, reach out to our team of compassionate nurse practitioner therapists.
Get in touch with us today to kickstart your journey to achieving holistic wellness. At Triumph, we care.