There’s no getting around it—life is stressful, especially if you’re trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. From work to family to managing your finances, you may feel like there are too many things on your plate and not enough time in the day to get everything done. The good news is that you can manage these overwhelming feelings and live an overall more positive life with these 10 ways to destress when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
1) Go to the beach
If your schedule is giving you anxiety, it might be time for a change of scenery. Take a day trip down to Delray Beach or head up north and spend an afternoon at Lake Winnipesaukee. A change of environment can do wonders when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and getting out of town will give you some perspective on your life and some much-needed rest. Even if your hectic schedule means that you can only get away for a few hours, getting out into nature for even 20 minutes will help clear your mind and release some stress (not to mention, burning more calories than plopping in front of Netflix). So go ahead—visit your local beach!
2) Go for a nature walk
When your mind is racing, try stepping outside and taking a walk. Let yourself really take in your surroundings. We highly recommend Green Cay Center &Wetlands. What do you see? What do you hear? Do those things relax you? If so, make a note of it so that next time, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can go for a walk and feel calm again. Plus, getting some fresh air will give your brain something new to process—which will help keep you from obsessing over whatever it was that was stressing you out in the first place. So pull on your walking shoes, pick up your camera if there’s something beautiful around you or grab a notebook if there isn’t—and take some time for yourself!
3) Get a Reiki Healing session
Reiki is a Japanese technique that combines elements of Eastern philosophy and meditation with Western medicine. Reiki healing sessions are typically administered by a trained practitioner, who places his or her hands on designated parts of your body in order to enhance your energy flow and promote healing. After receiving a reiki treatment, most people report feeling relaxed, invigorated, and rejuvenated. If you’re looking for a way to destress in Delray Beach, Florida, book a Reiki Healing session at Serene Soul Studio Healing Center. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed from time to time, why not make reiki part of your daily routine?
4) Breathe
A vital part of destressing is learning how to breathe properly, and it’s easier than you think. Simply breathe in for four seconds through your nose, then out for four seconds through your mouth. Try taking deep breaths once a day when you have a moment or two of downtime. Deep breathing has been shown to lower stress levels and help relieve feelings of anxiety and panic. After just a few minutes, you should notice your heart rate slow, as well as an overall sense of calmness come over you—even if just temporarily! Some believe that practicing proper breathing techniques regularly can lead to reduced blood pressure and chronic stress levels—which will lead to better health over time.
5) Visit a Botanical Gardens
Getting out of your daily routine for a bit can help you relax and destress. One of our favorite ways to do that is by visiting a botanical garden. There's something about being surrounded by greenery and flowers (and perhaps even a waterfall) that allows us to step away from our normal stressors and soak in some nature. And if you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of options all over Delray Beach, FL. We recommend checking out Morikami Japanese Gardens. Don't forget your camera! It's also fun to snap pictures of each other so you can remember all these great memories together when you get back home again.
6) Write it down (journaling)
Journaling is an effective way to de-stress when you’re feeling overwhelmed. By simply writing down your thoughts and feelings, you create a release valve for your body and mind. Plus, journaling can make you feel more connected with yourself—which can be empowering in itself. Writing down how you feel (and why) will help clarify how big of a problem something is and what you want/need to do about it. If necessary, talk with a trusted friend or family member about what’s been weighing on your mind; don't try to figure it out alone. They might have valuable insight or resources that can help alleviate some of your stressors.
7) Retail Therapy
Just because you’re not shopping at a mall doesn’t mean you can’t shop retail. Check out downtown Delray Beach or "The Ave" as the locals call it. Whether it's with your friends, online, or just yourself, browsing for that new outfit or even a pair of new headphones can take your mind off a stressful day and make you feel great. Retail therapy is more than just window shopping -- it can be as simple as purchasing tickets to an event (concerts, sporting events), booking that weekend getaway trip, or even buying yourself flowers. The sky is the limit when it comes to retail therapy!
8) Exercise
There's a reason why people say that exercise relieves stress. The science backs it up: Multiple studies have found that exercise helps relieve anxiety, reduce blood pressure and even work as a mild sedative. Why? There are three theories, says Carrie-Ann Skinner, an associate professor of kinesiology at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. First is that exercise increases endorphins—brain chemicals associated with feeling good. Second is that when you break a sweat during exercise, your body releases high levels of adrenaline, which can heighten your mood and alleviate anxiety.
9) Spend time with friends and family
One of the best ways to destress and feel happier is by spending time with loved ones. Whether you’re going out for dinner, taking a walk around town or just hanging out on your couch with a movie, some quality time with friends and family can go a long way toward making you feel better. Research shows that humans need social interaction in order to live happy lives, so reaching out is always a good move. For example, according to psychologist Abraham Maslow, Human beings are social by nature.
10) Book a Staycation
You don't always have to travel far to enjoy a vacation. Find a beautiful hotel in your area that offers a staycation package and book it for yourself. We love The Ray downtown Delray Beach. Be sure to put your phone on airplane mode or leave it at home, so that you won’t be tempted to check emails or messages while enjoying yourself. The point is not only to destress but also to take time for yourself and completely unplug, even if only for one night.
11) Visit a local outdoor Market
There’s something about fresh air and colorful produce that instantly helps me feel less stressed. And shopping at a farmers market—where there’s no set price for anything and you can ask growers questions about their practices, fruits and veggies—can be even more helpful than your local grocery store. The interaction with other people, plus exposure to beautiful plants and animals, is relaxing for most of us. So try looking for outdoor markets in your area (google farmers market [your city]), take a day off from work or school, and head out with friends or family. Before long, you might find yourself laughing while bartering with an apple farmer over prices; you might realize it doesn’t matter what you pay because they taste so good!
12) Visit a Holistic Health Market
If you’re looking for some help with stress and anxiety, try visiting a holistic health market. Coco Market happens the first Sunday of every month at Veterans Park in Delray Beach, FL. There are a lot of alternative ways people choose to de-stress and by seeing what’s out there, you can learn about some new techniques. There are many alternative, holistic therapies that you might not be aware of.
Stress-free is possible
We all have those moments where we feel like nothing is going right, that we’re completely overwhelmed, and that life will never get any better. But in reality, most of these stressors are easily fixable. Try on of the ones we mentioned above and feel better today.