The world we live in can be hectic and stressful at times. Leaving you to feel overwhelmed, tense, tired and maybe unable to concentrate. By the time Friday rolls around, you may be so wired from work, carpools, chores, etc. to actually enjoy the free time that a weekend can bring.

Stress can lead to chronic conditions such as:

  • Hypertension
  • Headaches
  • Low immune system
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Exacerbation of other conditions

There are some simple ways to decompress that may help reduce stress. Check them out below!

Take a Walk in Nature

Almost any walk will help to clear your head and boost endorphins yet walking in a park has added benefits. Taking a ten minute walk in nature puts the body into a state of natural meditation. This is due to involuntary attention during which something holds our attention and also allows for reflection.

Breathe

Breathing slowly and steadily, being mindful of your breath for just a few minutes a day can help lower your heart rate and get oxygen into the body more efficiently. Taking a few moments each day to just focus on breathing can calm the body, as well as the mind.

Have a Healthy Snack

When you’re hungry, the body goes into a state of natural distress, therefore making you feel irritable and high-strung. By having a healthy snack, your mind and body can relax, as it sends positive signals to the brain that you’re receiving nourishment. By picking a healthy snack such as nuts, fruit or a hard-boiled egg, and eating it slowly, your body will quickly relax. Avoid looking at your phone or any other screen and stay focused on just eating your food to heighten this calming effect.

Step Away from the Screen

If you can, especially if you work at a computer all day, make a conscious effort to ditch television, phones and computers for a bit. Working for eight hours or more a day looking at a screen can cause eye strain, headaches and the release of stress hormones.

Listen to (or Make) Music

Listen to some gentle music to relax your mind and body. After commuting and working all day, music can slow your heart rate and have a relaxing effect on the brain. Make sure it isn’t fast-paced or aggressive music, as that may have counteractive effects. If you sing or hum to yourself as well, it will have the same effect as it would be playing a calming song that you love!

Try some of these quick and easy ways to bring calm to a busy life. If you can implement some of these during the week, you will be calm and ready for the weekend!