Six Low-Key Practices to Alleviate Day-to-Day Stress

Posted by Amina AlTai on

It is common knowledge that exercise and a healthy diet are two of the most effective ways to stabilize your mood and decrease anxiety. But we all have our moments, and that is totally OK! Whether you find yourself completely time crunched, feeling under the weather, or simply too exhausted to hit the gym after a hectic week -- remember, we're only human, after all. So when you run into an occasion where you need to calm those pesky nerves in a low-key, energy-free way, here are some mellow tricks to try:

OPT FOR A WALK

Rather than cabbing it home, go for a walk instead. If you live in the outer boroughs, take 20 minutes to stroll before hopping on the nearest train. When hitting an elliptical is out of the question, you can still make time for a little fresh air. Put your phone on silent and take in your surroundings! It'll help clear your head, reduce stress, and ultimately make you more productive. 

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET

While letting go of those pieces we claim to adore but have never worn might be difficult, it actually feels better to get rid of them and spare yourself from unnecessary clutter. Cleaning out your closet can be super therapeutic! Even better, you can donate your unwanted items to people in need. Give your more professional pieced to Dress for Success and everything else to Goodwill

TAKE A BUBBLE BATH

Find good bubbles (for the tub and perhaps to fill a champagne glass) and take some time for yourself in a hot bath. Light a few candles, close your eyes, and just quiet your busy mind. Soaking up some suds (especially if you use an aromatherapeutic scent like lavender), will not only relax your muscles but it'll help channel your thoughts and put you in a calm mental space before you hit the hay. 

PUT ELECTRONICS TO BED AND READ A BOOK INSTEAD

Whether it's rummaging through your inbox after a long day of back to back meetings, or watching television to help you "wind down" -- electronics simply aren't sleep-inducing. Instead of staring at a screen, find a good book and sip a cup of chamomile tea in bed. You'll enrich your mind, without the brain overload reality tends to bring. You'll wake up happy and ready to take on the day if you are well rested! 

BASIC BREATHING EXERCISES

We aren't all expert meditators, but there are basic exercises that anyone can do. When we get stressed we tend to hold our breath and decrease the oxygen flow to our brain, which only makes things worse. A simple exercise that only takes 3-5 minutes is to exhale completely, close your eyes, breathe in and imagine that with your breath comes the color blue (positive vibes). Take a full five seconds to inhale. Hold your breath for a brief moment, and then exhale. When you exhale, envision the color red leaving your body (negative vibes). Repeat 10 - 15 times. 

MAKE A TO-DO LIST FOR TOMORROW

To-do lists can make a world of difference! Instead of stressing about what you have to handle the following day, before going to bed, write it down. When you go to sleep with a plan, you will wake up feeling more organized and prepared to tackle the day! 

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