Life can feel overwhelming at times, with constant demands, pressures, and responsibilities. If you don’t have healthy outlets to manage stress, it can really take a toll on your mental and physical wellbeing. This is why it’s so important to find relaxation techniques that work for you. To that end, here are some out-of-the-box ideas to explore.

Get Creative

Making art is an amazing stress release. Pick up a sketchpad and some pencils or paints, and let your mind run free creating doodles, abstract designs, or sketches of things you observe around you. The act of creating something from scratch is incredibly fulfilling. If visual arts aren’t your thing, write poetry or short stories. Or pick up that musical instrument you haven’t played since high school. Getting in touch with your creative side is wonderfully rejuvenating.

Adult Coloring Books

Adult coloring books are a huge stress-relieving trend. The intricate designs are beautiful and coloring them in is an absorbing, meditative act. Pick a color scheme that resonates with your mood and go to town shading in all the patterns and details with colored pencils or markers. You will get a sense of satisfaction from seeing the completed creation.

Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine

When you’re feeling tense and anxious, put on a hilarious comedy show or stand-up special you’ve seen a million times. Better yet, call your funniest friend and reminisce about inside jokes and ridiculous memories. Laughter releases endorphins that genuinely improve your mental and physical state. It’s hard to maintain a worried mindset when you’re giggling uncontrollably.

Walk It Out

If you’re feeling agitated, one of the best things you can do is get outdoors for a nice long walk. The fresh air, change of scenery, and physical movement all have remarkably restorative effects. Take some deep breaths and take in the sights, sounds and smells around you. Listen to an engaging podcast or audio book to make the time fly by.

4-7-8 Breathing

This straightforward breathing technique is something you can do anywhere when stress starts creeping in. Inhale through your nose for a count of 4. Hold your breath for 7 counts. Then exhale out through your mouth for a count of 8, pushing all the air out of your lungs. Repeat this cycle a few times, feeling your body and mind become more relaxed with each round.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This exercise involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. Start at your toes and feet, squeezing them tightly, then fully releasing. Work your way up to your calves, thighs, glutes, abdomen, arms, hands, shoulders, and finally face. Tense each area hard for 5-10 seconds, then fully release and lean into the sensation of relaxation.

Find Your Zen

There are tons of apps and YouTube channels now that offer guided meditations and mindfulness practices. Press pause on the busyness of the day and find a quiet space to slip into a Zen-like state. The people at Maloca Sound recommend a meditation that focuses on breathwork, visualizations, or motivational mantras, or say you can even try a sound bath that uses ambient music and nature recordings to lull you into blissful peace.

At-Home Spa Day

When you’re really stressed, it’s time to double down on self-care. Draw a warm bath and add your favorite bath bomb, salts or oils. Light some candles and play calming spa music. Slather on a hydrating face mask. Slowly and mindfully massage your tight muscles with a foam roller or lacrosse ball.

Conclusion

The key to managing stress is finding little rituals and pockets of peace that you can realistically incorporate into your daily life. Don’t let stress go unchecked – prioritize your serenity.