There are plenty of ways you may choose to de-stress, including prayer, meditation, or taking up a hobby. The key is to choose activities that you personally enjoy and want to spend time doing. There are no right or wrong ways to go about this.
In terms of stress management, there are options you can use for both short-term and long-term stress relief. Short-term ways to de-stress or activities or actions you can take to relieve anxiety quickly and they are generally related to a particular event or situation. For instance, you may practice deep breathing exercises or acupressure before a big meeting or presentation. To do this, lie back for five minutes with one hand on your abdomen. Take slow, deep, breaths using your nose to inhale to the count of five and then breathe out of your mouth to the count of five.
Longer-terms way to de-stress usually involved hobbies or other activities that you may enjoy. The key is to engage in things you enjoy every day. This may include meditation and deep breathing or prayer. Studies have shown that those who spend time reflecting or praying have lower stress levels than those who don’t. It doesn’t seem to matter which deity one prays to.
You may also choose to de-stress by joining an organization or class which focuses on something you are interested in, or something you like doing. This will not only ensure that you have activities you like scheduled into your weekly schedule, but you will also meet like minded people who are interested in many of the same activities you are. Examples of potential activities can include cooking, reading, painting, dancing, or working out.
Getting plenty of exercise is also a great way to de-stress, as well as to keep your body healthy and strong. Physical activity releases endorphins into the bloodstream. These are chemicals which affect the body by allowing it to feel calm, relaxed, and more energized. The effects last for several hours after exercising is completed.
Eating right, getting adequate sleep, and spending time with people you love and enjoy being around are also important for reducing stress. If you are already practicing these activities and rituals but still find yourself stressed out more often than not, you may have a more serious underlying condition. Depression and anxiety disorders are often caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and can be treated with medication.
Sometimes you may not be able to fully de-stress, such as after the death of a loved one or loss of a job. In these cases, practice the tips above and wait for the situation to resolve or become easier. If you feel the need to speak with someone, consider seeing a professional therapist.
