6 Strategies to Decrease Stress and Aid Relaxation

Stress is an inevitable part of life. But too much stress over long periods of time can have negative impacts on both mental and physical health. Finding ways to manage and reduce stress is important for overall well-being. Here are 6 evidence-based strategies that can help decrease stress and promote relaxation.
Take Time for Yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of daily responsibilities and forget to make time for yourself. Setting aside even 10-15 minutes a day for an activity you enjoy can provide a brief respite from stressors. This could be reading, listening to music, taking a walk, meditating or doing a hobby you love. Give yourself permission to take a break and engage in something that brings you joy and relaxation.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to decrease stress. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins which boost mood and provide a sense of wellbeing. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. This could be a brisk walk, swim, cycle or even just taking the stairs instead of the lift.
Discover a form of exercise you enjoy and make it part of your daily self-care routine. Many people swear by yoga for stress relief. Feldenkrais yoga can reduce tension and stress. Try Feldenkrais Yoga in East Sussex to see if it works for you or Google ‘what is Feldenkrais yoga’.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery can activate the body’s relaxation response and lower stress hormones. Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to practice a relaxation technique. Apps like Calm and Headspace provide guided sessions. Deep breathing is simple and can be done anytime. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through pursed lips. Repeat for a few minutes whenever you start to feel stressed.
Connect with Supportive People
Having strong social ties is important for managing stress. Make time to regularly connect with supportive family members, friends or peers who uplift you. Share what’s on your mind, call just to chat, or meet up in person when possible. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can add to stress, so nurture healthy relationships that provide comfort and companionship.
Get Plenty of Quality Sleep
Lack of sufficient, good quality sleep can significantly contribute to feelings of stress. Having a consistent sleep routine, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a restful sleep environment can all help improve sleep. Unwind with a book, take a warm bath, diffuse calming essential oils from aromatechscent.com – find techniques that prepare both mind and body for restorative sleep.
Manage Your Time Effectively
When we feel rushed, overwhelmed and like there’s too much to do in too little time, stress mounts. Avoid taking on too many responsibilities. Prioritise your most important tasks and break large projects into smaller, manageable steps. Learn to say no – don’t overwhelm your schedule. Block time in your diary to focus on priority tasks. Managing your time effectively will help minimise feelings of stress.
Making stress management and relaxation a regular part of your daily routine will help improve your resilience, outlook and overall wellbeing. Experiment to find the strategies that work best for you.