1. Take a Walk

Whether it’s down the street, a hike, in a park, the beach, a lake, wherever you may go, this is a great way to relieve stress. Of course, it doesn’t help to go for a walk and think about your stress, but rather take in the nature, sounds, people, places and things around you. This will allow you to separate yourself from your stressful thoughts and get some fresh air. This can be done any time of year and in any weather condition. A walk in the rain is as effective as a walk in the sun.

2. Watch Something Funny

Whether it’s a funny movie, TV show, youtube video, Instagram video, whatever it may be, just watch it. I have watched some of the most ridiculous comedies to relieve stress and it helps so much. Some shows I recommend are: Impractical Jokers, The Office, New Girl, Seinfeld, 30 Rock, Friends, etc. You can even watch cartoons and relive some of your childhood memories all over again.

3. Music

Browse your playlist, Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, old cd’s, youtube videos, etc. Music helps so much. Put on your headphones, close your eyes and just listen. Focus on the music, on your breathing and relax.

4. Sing

Along with listening to music, I encourage you to sing along to it. Put on your headphones and sing your heart out. Who cares how you sound, what matters is you are healing your mind and body of all the stressful toxins. Singing boosts happiness and lets you release emotions that are sometimes too stubborn to come out.

5. Read

The good thing about reading, especially if you have a big imagination like myself, is to have the ability to dive into the story as if you are in it. This approach helps to get your mind away from your stressful situation and temporarily bring you to another world.

6. Coloring

This might sound ridiculous, but studies have actually shown that coloring is a major stress reliever. Think about all the times you have colored in coloring books while babysitting or with your sibling, your own child, in a classroom. Doesn’t it feel great?  They now sell coloring books for adults that you can buy in supermarkets, bookstores and of course online. So grab those markers and get to work.

7. Baking

The smells, the tastes, the ingredients, they all create this calmness that cannot be beat. Baking is a great way to relieve stress as well as comfort yourself with a little comfort food. I personally enjoy baking with some music and while you are using a spatula, why not use it as a microphone?

8. Religion

No matter what religion you have, practice it. Many studies have shown people who reach out to their faith become more peaceful on the inside and out. This is a way to sit, relax and meditate. Take as much time as you need to do this and put your strength into your prayers and watch them return with more clarification.

9. Be Spontaneous

Sometimes we just have to do something without thinking about it. Whatever it may be, just go for it. Jump in your car and take a drive, go for a jog, go dancing, call your friends and plan something fun, visit family or stay home and play a board game.

10. Have a Me-Date

Sometimes all it takes is just a few hours for yourself. Coffee shops are great for this kind of occasion. Go to your favorite coffee shop, sit down, treat yourself and relax. Coffee shops give off such a relaxing vibe and this is a great way to calm your thoughts for a while as you take in that soothing aroma of coffee . Always remember you are never alone and it is important to reach out to others for comfort. You can turn to anyone that makes you feel at ease after speaking with them…. now go do something relaxing! Featured photo credit: www.givingsong.org via givingsong.org