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Stress is just a part of life for all but the most Zen of us. Some of us will suffer from it only from time to time while others will feel constantly under the stresses and strains of daily life. Whichever category you fall into, it is essential to know that you can come out the other side and find more calm. For some, this may mean a course of therapy is necessary, but for others, there are lots of things you can do at home, from meditation to taking a hot bath, that will help to relieve your stresses pretty effectively for the most part.
That being said, today we are going to take a look at some of the more surprising “home remedies” you can use to lower your stress levels on a daily basis.
1. Hair Salon Haven
Let’s start with the classics: A trip to the hair salon. To many people, it is just a place you go to when your hair is getting a little too shaggy or you have an important event you want to look suitable for, but some of us know much better than that. To those of us who know, the hair salon is about more than just a makeover for your locks; it’s a rejuvenation of the spirit. The gentle massage of your scalp, the transformative snip-snip of the scissors, and the vibrant chatter around – it’s a sanctuary where stress melts away, replaced by a renewed sense of self.
2. Doodle Your Worries Away
Remember the joy of scribbling and doodling as a child? It’s time to bring that back. Grab some colorful pens and a notebook and just start doodling. No rules, no expectations, just spontaneous expression. You’d be amazed at how liberating and stress-relieving this simple activity can be, and it’s so cheap. easy and portable that you can do it almost anywhere too!
3. Barefoot Walks
This one might sound a bit odd, but walking barefoot on grass or sand has been found to have a calming effect on the mind. It’s a grounding experience, literally connecting you with the earth and helping to balance your energies in life, and even if you don’t believe in all that stuff, the sun on your face, the sand on your feet, and the sound of the ocean in the background is sure to soothe you anyway.
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4. Enjoy an animal
The mere act of watching fish swim or petting a furry friend can be extremely calming. But let’s take it up a notch and ensure that your worries are well and truly melted away along with your stress. Engage in a full-fledged conversation with a pet. Yes, you heard it right! Talk to them about your day, and your worries, or even discuss the latest book you’ve read. Their silent, attentive presence can be a comforting stress reliever Oh, and be sure to pet them, if they’re furry, too as that has been scientifically proven to lower stress levels.
5. Pillow Boxing
Feeling a little frazzled? Why not take a fluffy pillow and give it a good punch? Create a makeshift boxing ring in your living room and let those frustrations out on your softest cushion. It’s a great way to release pent-up energy and have a few laughs while you’re at it. Yes, you might feel a little silly and self-conscious at first, but pretty soon those thoughts will melt away, along with the sources of your stress, and you will just be having good clean fun, With an edge. It beats shouting at the poor store clerk who gets your order wrong!
6. Moonlit Conversations
Step out under the moon and stars and have a quiet, introspective conversation with the universe. Share your dreams, and your fears, and let the silent night sky absorb your stress. Sometimes, it is fair to say, that the best listener is the silent night sky, and this serene communion can be a beautiful stress-buster. Again, you might feel self-conscious at first, but once you have unburdened yourself to the universe, you will feel better, and next time, you will not feel so silly in opening up to the great beyond.
7. Bubble Wrap Therapy
Who hasn’t found joy in popping bubble wrap? Next time you come across a sheet of bubble wrap, don’t discard it. Instead, keep it handy for a stress-relieving popping session. The tactile sensation and the popping sounds can be strangely therapeutic! Squeeze every drop of tension out of your body, and pretty soon you won’t be feeling so bad at all.
8. Whimsical Dancing
Put on your favorite tunes and dance like nobody’s watching. Let loose, make weird shapes, and just be in the moment. Don’t worry about how you look or whether you have the moves, and don’t worry about if you’re on time with the music. Be a freak. Move your body in any way that feels right to you in that moment. This spontaneous burst of energy can be a fantastic mood lifter, melting your stresses away, and giving you a surprisingly good workout into the bargain, too.
9. Dream Jars
Create a dream jar where you jot down all your wildest, most impossible dreams and desires. Whenever you feel stressed, pick a note from the pot and spend a few minutes daydreaming about it. This simple act can take your mind off stress and transport you to a world of possibilities.
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10. Laughter Yoga
You’ve probably heard of this one but might have hesitated to give it a try. It’s time to let go of that inhibition. Join a laughter yoga group, and indulge in bouts of uninhibited laughter. It’s a genuine stress-buster, and you’ll find your spirits lifting in no time. After all, they do say that laughter is the best medicine, and many formerly stressed-out yoginis would agree.
So, next time you’re feeling stressed, instead of getting yourself even more worked up and distressed, try one of these surprisingly soothing activities instead. You won’t regret it!
