Stress is a part of life, but that doesn’t mean it has to take over. Over the years, I’ve tried various techniques to manage stress, both personally and with students I’ve worked with. Some methods work wonders, while others feel like a waste of time. Here’s a collection of activities that genuinely help ease stress and bring a sense of calm.
Finding Instant Calm with Simple Techniques
Some days, stress creeps up unexpectedly. A small shift in routine can make a huge difference.
- Breathing Exercises – A deep breath in, a slow breath out. Sounds basic, but it’s one of the fastest ways to calm the nervous system. Try the 4-7-8 method—inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, exhale for eight.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Tense each muscle group for a few seconds, then release. Start from the toes and move up to the head. This trick helps the body recognize what relaxation feels like.
- Cold Water Splash – Washing my face with cold water instantly shifts my focus and helps break stress loops.
These take just a few minutes but work almost instantly.
Moving the Stress Away
Physical activity doesn’t just keep the body fit; it also clears the mind.
- Walking Outdoors – Even a short walk outside shifts energy levels. A student once told me they solved more problems during a 15-minute walk than in an hour of overthinking at their desk.
- Stretching and Yoga – Holding a stretch or doing a few yoga poses releases tension in places I didn’t even realize were tight.
- Dancing Like No One’s Watching – It’s impossible to feel stressed while jumping around to a favorite song.
Moving the body, even in small ways, makes stress feel less overwhelming.
Letting Creativity Take Over
Doing something creative is one of the best distractions from stress.
- Journaling – Writing down thoughts, even if they don’t make sense, clears the mind. Some of the best ideas come from random journal entries.
- Doodling or Painting – I once suggested doodling to a stressed student who swore they had no artistic skills. A few weeks later, they showed me pages filled with little sketches that became their go-to relaxation method.
- Playing an Instrument – If playing music isn’t an option, even just listening to instrumental tracks can be soothing.
Creativity shifts focus away from stress and toward something enjoyable.
Taking a Break from Screens
Too much screen time can make stress worse. I’ve noticed that limiting digital distractions helps clear mental clutter.
- Turning Off Notifications – The constant ping of messages creates unnecessary pressure.
- Using a Blue Light Filter – Reducing screen glare in the evenings makes a noticeable difference in relaxation.
- Avoiding Stressful Content – Watching uplifting videos instead of stressful news helps shift moods. Speaking of which, sometimes content is restricted due to age settings. If that ever gets in the way of watching something relaxing, adjusting the age restriction on YouTube can help.
A little break from screens makes space for real relaxation.
Connecting with Others for Support
Being around the right people makes stress easier to handle.
- Talking to a Friend – A quick chat with someone who listens without judgment works better than bottling up emotions.
- Joining a Community – Whether it’s a local group or an online space, having support helps reduce stress.
- Laughter Therapy – I once laughed so hard at a silly joke that all the stress of the day just disappeared. Laughter truly is medicine.
Social connections create a buffer against stress.
Ending the Day with Relaxation Techniques
What happens before bedtime affects the next day.
- Aromatherapy – Lavender or chamomile scents create a sense of calm.
- Herbal Tea – A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea signals the body that it’s time to unwind.
- No Heavy Meals Before Bed – Eating too late makes sleep restless, which only adds to stress.
A good night’s sleep resets everything.
FAQs
How long does it take for stress relief activities to work?
Some methods, like deep breathing, work instantly. Others, like exercise or journaling, provide relief over time. The key is consistency.
What’s the best stress relief activity for busy people?
Quick breathing exercises, short walks, and screen breaks are the easiest to fit into a packed schedule. Even five minutes of mindful breathing makes a difference.