My Favorite Ways to Unwind

Take a Sip

Even the thought of sitting back with a steaming cup of tea is relaxing! There are many people who swear by the power of a good cup of tea for de-stressing and even studies that back up these relaxation claims. When choosing a flavor of tea, you will want to make sure that it is caffeine-free, as caffeine can lead to irritability, anxiety, and other stress-related side effects when consumed in excess.

A common tool to reduce stress is deep, controlled breathing. While you wait for your tea to cool a bit, take in a few breaths of the aromatic steam. An herbal tea is a great option for calming the nerves, and it smells great, which is perfect for those deep breaths. Try a chamomile or mint tea and drink it before bed for added rest and relaxation.

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Meditate

Instead of turning on the television or seeking out a friend for drinks, embrace quality alone time. Find a quiet place to sit, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing, taking deep breaths in and out. You can also silently repeat a mantra in your mind. Repeating a word or phrase will help to keep other thoughts at bay. Practice meditating for at least 10 minutes to help reduce stress.

Hold That Pose

Yoga offers many benefits, such as improving flexibility, strength, and balance; it also helps to reduce anxiety and stress. Breathing exercises help to realign the body, reminding it of how it should function. Many poses in any anti-stress yoga online course or DVD recorded course will include poses such as bow pose, cobra pose and/or spinal twists to target areas most afflicted by stress, such as the shoulders, back, and neck. 

Unplug and Unwind

In this day and age, it can be hard to get away from technology; finding a way to do this can be the ticket to reducing stress. Constant access to email and messaging can bring the burden of work into the home space, which is an undesirable mix. You don’t have to respond to all messages right away. Make it a goal not to check your work email at home and designate specific phone or tablet free times.

Tune In and Tune Out

While a yoga class for anxiety might help you tune in, you can also go the other route; make a playlist, plug in some headphones, and tune out the world. You can include nature sounds like wind, waves, and animals, as well as calming melodies or songs. Sneak in some upbeat tunes and get prepared to sing along. Find a comfortable, relaxing place to enjoy the music, or get active and listen to your playlist while you go on a walk and get the best of both worlds.

There are many ways to reduce stress, and one isn’t necessarily better than the other. While some might choose to follow along with an online or in-studio class others might enjoy a relaxing playlist in a warm bubble bath or a phone-free hour. As long as a method works for you, and you enjoy doing it, it is a great remedy to the burden of everyday stress.