The novel Corona Virus (also known as COVID-19) has spread throughout the world, ravaging nearly everything from economy to mental wellness of the people. As such, it is reported that there has been a surge in domestic violence as well as the cases of abuse. Studies suggest that Stress is one of the underlying reasons behind the cases of domestic violence; cases like child abuse and others have also been found linked to Stress. 

As a result, we have compiled a list of 10 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress so that you continue to enjoy a healthy lifestyle even during the pandemic.

A Little History Lesson

Stress, as a condition, is one of the recent discoveries: It was during 1950s when it was first labelled as a condition by an endocrinologist known as Hans Selye. It is worth mentioning here that stress have been a perennial companion of humans. There were symptoms, yes; they have always been there. Thus, the discovery and identification of Stress led to new research in Medicinal Sciences. Eventually, we came up with the ways to cope it.

Out of thousands of the ways, here are 10 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress.

1. Listen to music

Here’s a fact: We all face some situations which overwhelm us, and put stress on our mind. One of the best ways to relieve your mind from that stress is to listen to music. It is scientifically proven that music relaxes our mind.

You may choose any genre as per your liking. It does not simply matter. If you are unsure of what you should listen, Frank Sinatra or Pink Floyd maybe a couple of good options to start with. But you are open to anything—nature sounds, sound of an ocean, some piano, violin, anything! It is wholly up to you.

2. Talk it out with a friend

Another of the effective ways to relieve stress is to talk about what is troubling you with a friend. We all need a listener, and who better than a friend? Call that one right away, sit with them, talk about it.

Humans are a social animal: we crave that social interaction. More so, when we are in stress. So, if anything is troubling you, talk about that with your friend. That person may not be a psychologist or a good talker, but just a single encouraging sentence will lift your mood.

3. Talk yourself through it

It is quite understandable that we are sometimes constrained and we cannot even talk to a friend about a problem. It is okay. In that case, you have yourself.

Find what is giving you stress. Ask yourself why are you stressful about it. Chalk out options to cope with the situation. And implement what you think is the best way to solve that problem. Sometimes, all you need is yourself.

4. Eat right

A significant amount of studies has shown that there is a strong link between your diet and stress levels. It is responsible for either overeating or under eating—both of which are really disastrous for a healthy lifestyle. And also, when stressful, we tend to eat more of those junk foods which endanger our health.

It is thus suggested that you should avoid any junk food, and have a nicely chalked dietary plan. Have fruits and vegetables. Fishes with Omeg-3 type of the fatty acids is reported to reduce stress. Eat healthy, and the symptoms will reduce. 

5. Laugh it off

Another way to relieve stress is to… laugh. Yes, it is true. Here is the science behind it: when you laugh, a stream of endorphin hormones is released. And, endorphin is responsible for reducing stress. As a result of this, you feel happy and your mood improves.

If you cannot think of a way to laugh, watch some comedy movies. Monty Python may help you in this regard. He really makes one burst into laughter!

6. Have Tea or A Nice Cup of Coffee

And now, tea or maybe coffee. Both of these have caffeine in them, and caffeine does this: it increases your blood pressure and activates the HPA axis. As a result of all this, you are relieved of stress.

If you are not a tea person nor a coffee one, start with Green Tea. It has lesser amount of caffeine in it, and more antioxidants—and L-Theanine too. L-Theanine causes your nervous system to calm down without making you drowsy. Drink Tea, Relieve Stress!

7. Be mindful

Till now, we have covered the ways which are provide an immediate but short-term relief from stress. So, here is one that will help you in the longer run: Incorporate Mindfulness in your life.

Mindfulness is a blend of meditative as well as bodily approaches to improve one’s mental health. Due to its increased effectiveness, it has become popular throughout the world lately. Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Pilates, all of these are different means to the same end—which is a drastic reduction of stress. Change your lifestyle, be mindful, and you will observe the effects yourself.  

8. Exercise (even for a minute)

It is a misconception that the thing you do in gyms or a hectic workout is “exercise”. No, it is not like that. A walk around the block or some stretching when you get out of the bed is also exercise. So, do exercise—even for a minute. As blood rushes to every part of your body, endorphins are released, and you feel better.

9. Sleep better

Let us now talk about sleep. It is well-known a fact that stress may make one insomniac. In the same way, not getting enough sleep is also linked to stress. It is a never-ending circle. And if one does not address it, it gets worse over time. It is suggested that no matter what, get a 7-8-hour sleep every day. Do not stay up late unnecessarily. Make yourself and your comfort a priority. It seems mediocre, but it is the most effective way to relieve stress.

10. Breathe easy

Why do they tell you to be conscious about breathing at any critical situation? It sounds like some cliché, but it is very much true: Deliberate, deep breathing does calm you down. No wonder Buddhist monks in monasteries have been doing it for centuries.

Here are we to help you with this. Whenever you are feeling overwhelmed, sit on a comfortable chair with your hands on your knees. Close your eyes. Then, slowly take a deep breath in. Concentrate on everything in the process—the air, your nostrils, how your lungs expand. Then exhale slowly. Keep doing this for 3-5 minutes.

By doing this, you will feel calm and a little less overwhelmed by stress.

Learn more about stress relief

As we mentioned earlier, Stress is the eternal companion of humans. But, it should never be taken lightly. Too much stress can cause several problems for you and for those around you. Silver-lining is that stress is quite manageable. Accept your problem, and then work on it. Things get better.