How To Reduce Stress?

By Bhumika Chitkara

The lifestyle we lead can be really stressful! From work pressure to family pressure, from social engagement to the pressure of going to a party, stress is present in our lives in many forms. It is an inevitable part of our lives which cannot be removed but is controllable by various practices. Well, who wouldn’t like their lives to be as less stressful as possible? Try these effective ways to reduce stress and anxiety! Not only that, but these methods can also help you to improve your mood levels and positivity.

HOW TO REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY?

Pen down your thoughts:

Everyone as a child had a dear diary they kept hidden in some corner of their room. Jotting down everything you had in your mind without any fear could help you open your heart. If that habit of keeping a journal is long lost, well, now is the time to bring that back. Journaling has proven to be one of the most efficient stress reduction strategies. Penning down your thoughts can bring about more clarity leading towards better self-awareness. Dedicate specific sections of your journal to specific issues. Write down your trigger points, strengths, weaknesses and problems. Freely pen down everything that goes through your mind without the fear of getting judged or any embarrassment. 

Listen to music: 

Music as a hobby is one of the healthiest habits one can develop. Listening to music is known as one of the most powerful stress relievers. It can lower stress levels by increasing calmness and positivity. That's not it; music therapy is extremely beneficial in decreasing cortisol levels and is a pain reliever. Music is not just about beats; people tend to develop a special relationship with their favourite songs that can help to elevate happy hormones and reduce stress. 

Do your favourite hobby: 

The lifestyle that we are leading is becoming stressful. So, adopting a  healthy hobby is a really great stress buster! Developing positive hobbies can help you relieve stress and boost your mood. It is not just about stress; having good hobbies can also help you spend your spare time wisely. Try to learn new skills and spend time doing something that you like. A hobby can be as simple as spending time with nature or playing your favourite sport. 

Yoga and meditation:

Yoga for stress reduction? Yes, you read it right! Yoga and meditation is the best stress reliever known to us! Performing certain yoga poses can release stress, tension and anxiety. You can become more self-vigilant and aware. Meditation is the best way to improve concentration, focus and awareness. It can easily help you in getting rid of negative thoughts, build positivity and boost your mood. Practices like pranayama can help you calm your mind down and increase mindfulness. Balasana, Kapal Bharti, and Uttanasana are some of the best asanas for reducing stress and anxiety. 

Find someone to talk to:

Sometimes, talking to someone close can bring out a solution to your problem that you cannot find alone. We understand that letting your feelings in front of someone can be difficult but try to find someone whom you trust and can talk to about anything without the fear of being judged. Seeing a situation from someone else’s point of view can bring more clarity to your thoughts; which can lead to better solutions to your problems. Building up your thoughts inside of you can lead to more stress, anxiety and depression, so it’s better to let it out! 

Cleaning therapy:

Now, this may sound weird, lol! Cleaning therapy is proven to be among the most effective stress-reducing practices. Cleaning and organising are therapeutic ways to calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Clearing the mess around you can give you a sense of control over your surroundings leading to improved self-confidence and positivity. A clean environment can also provide you with a space where you can work peacefully.