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Some people tend to keep their stress bottled up, ignoring the negative physical and psychological consequences of trying to repress feelings. If you’re looking for ways to destress after a long week, here is a short list of useful tips and techniques that are sure to help you unwind.
1. Un-plug
Be aware of how much time is being lost from your day-to-day activities. Turn off email and social media notifications on your phone. Start a timer on your phone to give you time to remove yourself from unnecessary contact. When you are unplugged from online activities, it is easier to work on zen-like habits such as positive journal writing or meditation. Make a list of each activity that takes up your time each week and find ways of reducing or eliminating it. Give yourself permission to make a personal rule that prevents you from working on anything related to your usual schedule until noon the next day. This may seem like an extreme example, but there are many practical ways of overcoming everyday pressures to get things done.
2. Exercise
During exercise, your body releases chemicals that can improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed. This can help you deal with stress and reduce your risk of depression.
3. Read a Book or Watch your Favorite Movie
Pick something calming and choose a book or movie (preferably one you haven't seen before) to help unwind and unwind some more. Try celebrating with friends or family. It may be helpful to take a walk outside or go for a drive in your car.
4. Indulge in Self-Care
Taking a nice long bath, drinking a glass of wine, and using a face-mask can help you physically relax. It lets you focus on yourself. When you are physically relaxed, it is easier to relax mentally.
5. Spend Time with Family and Friends
Spending quality time with family and friends can get us out of the grind and refresh our minds. When things get stressful in our personal lives, turning to others for support can help us relax and regain perspective. Being around people who embrace and support you 100% makes life worth living.
6. Lastly, Breathe
So simple, yet often times when we are stressed or busy, we forget. If you take the time to focus on breathing slower in the morning, it will help activate the section of your nervous system that tells you to calm down.
What are some things you do to destress after a long work week?
Share your story in the comment section down below!
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