December 31, 2021 | Mindset
As we go back to our working lives after the holidays, stress could hit us harder than usual. We switched off our daily routines for a while, so it feels almost foreign to us. When we’re stressed, it’s almost like we’re blinded by a massive cloud and we can’t see a single thing. Information starts flying away from our mind, we start feeling overwhelmed, sad and even angry. If you’re still trying to figure out how to get through stressful days, why don’t you try these four quick-and-easy tips!
Experiment with breathing techniques.
Breathing exercises are quick and easy remedies; box breathing, in particular, is one such example. It involves inhaling and exhaling, while holding breaths in between air flow for the same number of seconds, creating a “square” box. For example: inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds and hold your breath for another 4 seconds. This pace calms the body after just 3 or 4 rounds. A recent study showed that taking deep breaths reduces cortisol levels in the body, our stress hormone, as well as improves our attention span.
Engage in positive social interactions.
Socialising with others can help us feel like the world is a safe place, which we often struggle to remember when stressed. You could also receive the support and reassurance you need to regain your motivation. Even simple gestures, like saying “hello” to a stranger can create that feeling of security. Just simply remembering that there are people around us that love and support us would help put our mind at ease. Whether you choose to vent or have small talk, positive interaction helps to alleviate stress.
A big cry always helps.
Have you ever felt so stressed that it caused you to burst into tears, and felt much lighter afterwards? Having a big cry can drastically relieve stress because it allows you to release your emotions instead of bottling them up. Crying is usually a sign of being overwhelmed; releasing those tears allows us to let go of that emotion, one tear at a time. So if you feel like you need to cry, just let it flow.
Get creative.
Doing creative activities helps generate excitement and energy, which can effectively relieve stress. It can be painting, dancing, writing, or anything that you enjoy. It can be especially helpful when the stress is related to the inability to get something done; these activities won’t only help you reset your mind, but also remind you of how capable you are and boost your confidence.
No matter how stressful our lives get, we will always be able to pull through. Simple tricks like these can actually make a huge difference, so be sure to give them a try!