People do not have time to relax in today’s fast-paced world. Everyone is caught in a mad dash to achieve their goals in the midst of life’s momentum. Every issue concerning work, spouse, children, daily household chores, or enjoyable activities such as shopping or vacation planning is urgent. Stress is the single unifying factor that unites this diverse group of people.
Trying to cram so much into so little time is getting on the Wi-Fi generation’s nerves, causing a steady buildup of tension. When the pressure becomes unbearable, extreme stress pushes people over the edge. People frequently end up snapping at their loved ones or coworkers, hurting their feelings.
These angry outbursts are followed by bitter frustration and a flood of negative emotions that drive a person to exasperation. Such a person enters ‘fight or flight’ mode, which is an automatic reaction to stress, resulting in further confrontations, shutting everyone out, or going about one’s tasks while fuming inside with unvented rage. Individual mentalities influence the intensity of situations or responses, but the fact remains that stress-induced frustration persists.
If you ever find yourself trapped by a self-devouring angry monster, try one (or a combination) of these strategies to quickly get back to your routine.
1. Take deep breaths
Breathing is essential to life, but we rarely do it correctly. The best way to induce a relaxation response in your body is to concentrate on your breathing. Deep abdominal breathing, according to Harvard researchers, promotes better oxygen exchange in every cell of the body, slowing the heartbeat and inducing a state of calm.
When we focus our entire being on breathing, our body begins to relax as the muscles release tension. Blood vessels dilate, assisting in the stabilization of blood pressure as it drops and gradually returns to normal. Different deep breathing techniques can be mastered with regular practice, resulting in a plethora of benefits.
2. Do stretches
Stretching is another stress-reduction technique that works in tandem with deep breathing. A frustrated mind is excessively restless, and a taut body craves movement. Stretching, for example, is extremely beneficial in relieving mental and physical tension.
We focus on our bodies while stretching, giving ourselves a mental break. Stretches also increase blood circulation, which allows muscles to relax and release tension. Stretching helps to relax the mind and recharge the body.
Stretching is typically performed after a light warm-up, but gentle stretching is recommended for beginners and can be performed sitting or standing.
3. Call a friend
Some of us need to talk about our feelings with someone. What better option is there at such times than calling our closest friend or relative? Friends who share our values and are open about their opinions are the most dependable support system. Such quick conversations can sometimes provide us with valuable insights and help us see the other side of an issue.
However, resist the temptation to text! It will not give us the mental satisfaction of connecting with someone close to us, especially when we are emotionally exhausted.
4. Listen to your favorite music
Music calms the soul. When we are frustrated and nothing seems to be working for us, playing our favorite song or tune may not even occur to us as an option. However, when done deliberately, listening to music can be an extremely rewarding experience as well as the quickest stress reliever.
Music Therapy has even been shown in psychological studies to be an effective stress management tool. So, the next time frustration strikes, we can simply put on our headphones and drive it away.
5. Run/Brisk Walk
Physical exercise, such as a quick run or brisk walk, can help relieve stress whether you exercise regularly or not.
Running outside in nice weather provides plenty of fresh oxygen. Running or walking on a treadmill can also help because it releases endorphins, or feel-good hormones, in the brain. Endorphins are designed to block pain receptors and provide an immediate sense of euphoria, elevating our mood.
6. Write in a journal
Whether or not you are an expressive writer, you should try writing down your emotions in a journal. Writing down one’s anxieties and fears takes the edge off, making them seem insignificant in comparison to the bigger and better things in one’s life.
The thoughts and feelings that emerge from a mixed emotional release can form a literary piece that is interesting to reflect on and may provide one with a better perspective later in life. Many great authors have based their memoirs and autobiographies on their reflective journal writing.
7. Read something you love
For some of us, books are our best friends, so pick up that classic you’ve always wanted to read and reread your favorite section, or read something new in a genre you’re interested in, such as cooking, travel, or art.
It is well known that no matter what you read, the act of reading draws you into a plethora of possibilities, such as an imaginary fictional world, a long-forgotten hobby or passion you have rekindled. Reading distracts you from your worries, quickly and pleasantly de-stressing you.
Spending time on these activities may appear time-consuming when you have a mountain of tasks to complete. But think about it for a moment! Is it worth it to wallow in self-pity and spiral further into depression? After all, we need to be able to shake that gloomy mood and return to our normal lives as soon as possible—but with renewed vigor.
So, spend some “me time” with yourself to relieve your stress before returning to your chaotic world.
