Do you feel overwhelmed? You have a million things to do today, and you were tired before you even began. You’re caught in the never-ending process of the daily grind. You’ve got a job, family, responsibilities, bills, and there’s never enough time for you.
It would help if you took time for self-care. Society and many employers expect you to work long hours and forgo those vacation days, but you cannot survive for long with this type of schedule. According to Southern New Hampshire University, you must consider your health physically, mentally, and spiritually, as you must reset.
According to the article, when you take time for yourself, it improves your anxiety and depression, reduces anger, enhances your energy, and you’ll be much happier.
Twenty Methods to Calming Your Mind in Times of Stress
You know that calming your mind is something you must do, but you’re unsure where to start. Here’s a list of the best ways to bust through stress, calm yourself, and rejuvenate your mind.
1. Get a Massage
Few things in this life feel as great as a massage. When you’re under stress, your muscles hold a lot of tension. By manipulating and rubbing these sore muscles, it can instantly calm your entire body.
2. Take a Nap
A power nap may be just what you need to reset. The best thing about these short 10–20-minute siestas is that you can do them during your lunch hour or before you cook dinner at night. It gives you a chance to zone out and relax your mind and body before continuing your day.
3. Use Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to cure what ails you. Essential oils have potent effects on the body, and they can calm you. Scents like lavender, peppermint, and bergamot are known for their tranquil abilities to relax you from head to toe.
As a bonus, they also make your home or office smell unique too so that others can enjoy the peaceful scents as well.
4. Phone a Friend
Sometimes, you need to get what’s on your mind out of there. The best way to do this is to phone a friend. You can spill your stress to someone who can help you get through the troubling day. A good friend will listen to you and offer sage advice on how to keep going even when you feel like throwing in the towel.
5. Get Out in Nature
Did you know that many people who have panic attacks want to run outside? This is especially true for those who have claustrophobia too. Being outside tends to release something inside you, and it helps calm you.
Mother Nature has a profound effect on the body and the mind, and it’s one of the best and most inexpensive remedies.
6. Journal
According to Daily Stoic, there are science-backed benefits of journaling. Dedicating just 10-15 minutes a day can help with physical and psychological health. Studies show it decreases emotional distress, as well as decreases cognitive rumination.
7. Box Breathing
Box breathing is prevalent among those who have issues with panic and anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to calm your mind, you may find it works for you too.
You breathe in and hold it, then slowly release the breaths. It tends to cleanse your mind as you exhale negativity and breathe in a more positive outlook.
8. Turn off Technology
Maybe all you need is a break from technology. Turn off your cell phone, computer, tablets, smartwatches, and anything else that can make noise. Sometimes sitting in the quiet is all you need to release stress and those feelings that overwhelm you.
Some families have incorporated things like technology-free dinners, where everyone puts their devices in a basket. It allows you time to reconnect with the ones you love without constant interruptions.
9. Meditate
When it comes to calming your mind, meditation is the best thing to do. According to Positive Psychology, meditation has been around since 1500 BC. The reason it’s still in use today is because it works, and the vast benefits of this cleansing act cannot be denied.
10. Take a Bubble Bath
Grab some candles, turn on some relaxing sounds, and fill the bathtub high with relaxing bubbles. Taking a bubble bath is a great way to calm yourself when overwhelmed. The hot water soothes aching muscles, and the time in solitude is also healing. Just make sure you lock the door so you’re not disturbed, and you can take as long as you like.
11. Take a Drive
If you live in the city, maybe you need to get out of the hustle and bustle. Why not jump in your car, roll the windows down, and blast your favorite music? There’s something euphoric about listening to great music while you take a little road trip to rejuvenate your mind.
12. Write a Poem or Music
Did you know that some of the greatest songs come from times of trial and stress? Your inner artistic abilities come through when you’re hurting. Remember the famous song by Eric Clapton, “Tears in Heaven?”
According to Little Things, Eric Clapton’s four-year-old son fell out the window from the 53rd story of a high-rise building. The gut-wrenching ballad was written to help him cope with the tragedy, which shattered his world.
Though you may not be facing such a horrific event, you can use the power of music to help you cope with your stress. Who knows, you may have a song that could launch you into stardom.
13. Organize Your Space
Sometimes people feel stressed and overwhelmed because they’ve got clutter all around them. Your environment has a direct effect on how you think. You can feel much better by getting up, getting your blood pumping, and decluttering a space.
14. Spend Time with Your Pet
Pets have always been known to have a profound effect on people. It’s one of the main reasons they’re used for comfort in nursing homes and hospice centers around the country. Just petting your favorite dog or cat can help you relax and destress.
15. Color
Adult coloring has become all the rage these days. Some psychologists say that it’s just as good as meditating, but it depends on your patience. Some adult coloring books are a bit advanced, and you may want to start with something less challenging if you’re overwhelmed.
16. Read a Book
Why not escape your problems by getting lost in a good book? Curl up with your favorite blanket in a comfy location and read to your heart’s content. You can find many great novels out there, and it’s better than sitting in front of a TV for hours.
17. Draw
You can explore your artistic abilities by drawing or painting. Maybe you can unlock your inner Picasso with a painting that’s gallery-worthy. Even if you aren’t ready for an art show, it can undoubtedly help clear your mind.
18. Exercise
Calming your mind may be as easy as running on a treadmill, taking a walk, or doing something like jumping jacks. When you exercise and move around, your body releases those feel-good hormones at higher levels, which will only make you feel much better.
19. Sit Outside and Sip Your Favorite Drink
Many songs talk about sitting on the front porch, as there’s something very calming about swinging and relaxing. Grab a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and enjoy some fresh air. You’ll be amazed at how great you feel in a short amount of time.
20. Netflix and Chill
While it’s not the best method, you certainly can have assistance with calming your mind by turning on a good show and calming down. Millennials have coined the term “Netflix and Chill” because it’s one of the best ways they feel to relax. True, there’s something nice about just having downtime and being able to calm down after a long, stressful day.
Final Thoughts on Calming Your Mind
Calming your mind isn’t always easy, especially when you wear many hats during the day. However, it’s essential for your mental and physical health that you have times to destress from all the angst you feel. If the stress doesn’t subside no matter what you do, it’s time to be proactive.
Some people are stuck in dead-end jobs or relationships that are sucking the life out of them. It’s time to evaluate things and see what you can do to improve life. You’re responsible for your happiness, and you can let circumstances or people get in the way.
You can make a conscious decision that you’re going to be happy no matter what happens, which might require making some changes. However, calming your mind is an essential part of routine stress management, as you need to purge the negativity you pick up throughout the day.
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