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If you’re having trouble managing your stress, or you’re so stressed about your stress that you don’t even know where to start, it’s time to take a deep breath and get some stress relief. According to the American Institute of Stress, the physical and emotional toll of increased stress is tangible. Nearly half of adults report their behavior has been negatively affected. Most commonly, they report increased tension in their bodies (21 percent), “snapping” or getting angry very quickly (20 percent), unexpected mood swings (20 percent) or screaming or yelling at a loved one (17 percent). While that may be worrisome or even scary, there are so many different stress relief options available. From spinning on a chair to cuddling with a stuffed animal, here’s our list of 10 surprising stress relief tips you need to try.
1. Spin on a Chair — Spin around on a chair when you get stressed out. You may feel a little silly, but there’s something about this playful activity that will make you laugh. You can’t help but laugh and feel at ease when you’re spinning carefree in a chair. It’s a quick distraction from the mundane hustle and bustle of everyday life, and sometimes you just need a quick and easy distraction that’s as fun and relaxing as spinning in a chair.
2. Cuddle with a Stuffed Animal — Your favorite teddy bear isn’t just for kids. Cuddle with a beloved stuffed animal and soon you’ll remember just how relaxing it was when you were a kid. You don’t have to keep the joy to yourself. Send someone you love a care package with a stuffed animal in it. You’d be sending them a little friend in the form of a mythical creature or classic teddy bear.
3. Create a Paper Crown — It’s time for arts and crafts. Make a paper crown for yourself. All you need is a piece of paper and scissors. If you need a tighter fit, get a piece of tape. You can decorate it with crayons, markers or pens. Go above and beyond and get creative with glitter or stickers. Soon, you’ll be feeling like royalty in your very own silly crown.
4. Send a Friend a Funny Story — One way to feel better when you’re stressed is to make someone else feel better. There’s a lot of disheartening news going around. Cheer someone up and make their day by sending a friend a funny story. It can be a piece of good news you saw on a morning talk show. It can be a funny article you’ve read. It can be as simple as a funny meme you saw on Instagram. Whatever it is, spread the joy to someone who could use a laugh.
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5. Take a Walk in the Sun — Sometimes you need some fresh air and a nice walk in the sun. We could all use a little more vitamin D. It doesn’t have to be a long walk. If you need to take your lunch break, you can take a quick 10-minute walk around the block. It really helps to clear your head and get some sun at the same time. Soon, you’ll be refreshed and ready after your nice walk down the street.
6. Give Yourself a Hand Massage — Give yourself a little TLC with a hand massage. You can use scented lotion if you like a particular scent or use non-scented lotion if your skin is on the more sensitive side. Massage your fingers, the palms of your hands and the webbed part between your fingers.
7. Create a Safe Space — Do you have a space in your home that’s just for yourself? It doesn’t have to be a whole room. It can be a particular corner or spot in your living room. Let that spot, however big or however small, be your safe space to Zen out. Let it be your spot when you sit down for a moment of peace and quiet. Allow yourself to surrender and stay focused in your very own space.
8. Declutter Your Space — You don’t have to wait for spring cleaning to start decluttering your space. If you have any books you haven’t read in a long time or clothes you don’t wear anymore, you can donate these items. If you have a drawer filled with junk, it’s time to declutter your space. Start room by room and declutter a little bit at a time. There’s something so refreshing about being able to start fresh.
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9. Close Your Eyes — Sometimes, you just need to close your eyes for a moment. It could be during your meditation practice. It could be during your morning yoga routine. It could be you just sitting down in your safe space and closing your eyes. Just take a few minutes for yourself to take some deep breaths.
10. Just Laugh — Last, but certainly not least, laugh whenever you can. It’s hard to be stressed when you’re busy laughing. Watch a funny video. Talk with a family member or friend who cheers you up. If you have any pets, play with them, and soon you’ll be laughing when you see how happy they are to play with you. There are so many opportunities to laugh during the course of our day.