Feeling tense? These 5 super-easy hacks will help you relax right away

Feeling tense due to a certain situation? Adopt any one of these 5 ways to relax and see your stress levels vanish away.
How to relax your mind
Relaxation is important. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Grace Bains Published: 23 Sep 2020, 17:14 pm IST
  • 74

We can easily agree on the fact that modern life is characterised by high levels of stress. There are multiple times in a day when our tension levels rise up. The reasons might be different for everyone, but the thing is that this constant state of worry often affects our mental health—as well as our ability to work our way out of the situation. Over a longer course of time, it can also cause a considerable amount of harm to our physical health.

Tension really has the ability to hijack our headspace and keep us from finding solutions. Hence, we need to find ways to reduce tension immediately to regain our composure. Here are five techniques you can use for immediate relief from anxiety or stress to restore your calm:

1. Three-part breathing
This technique to calm yourself during a stressful situation makes use of deep breathing. Take a deep breath to the count of three, hold it till to the count of three, and release slowly to the count of three. Do this five to 10 times and you’ll begin to instantly feel calmer.

2. Colour it in
Adult colouring books are designed in a way that induces lower stress levels. In fact, researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand conducted a study and found that using adult colouring books can reduce feelings of anxiety. You can order one for yourself right now, and in the meantime doodle away to glory to try to reap the same benefits.

Adult colouring books
Colouring is therapeutic, reduces stress, builds focus and helps achieve mindfulness. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Aromatherapy
We are all attracted to different types of scents. For some, the smell of the earth after the rain is very comforting, while for others citrus smells are appealing. Turns out, the aroma you’re fond of can actually help you cope with stress as well.

Also, read: Whether you’re stressed or anxious, lavender oil can help you feel calmer and happier

A study published in PubMed Central notes that aromatherapy can help you maintain cognitive function during stressful situations. So, invest in candles, oils, room fresheners and perfumes that have the smell that you feel the most comforted by. Such products can help you maintain your calm during tense situations.

4. Music
Ever noticed how upbeat music energizes you to workout, but sad songs remind you of lost love? Well that’s because music does have an effect on one’s mood. A research published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology notes that music can be effectively used to manage stress levels. From jazz to metal, we say put on the music you like the most and say bye-bye to tension.

what your music taste says about you
Listen to your favourite tunes to beat the stress, blues and more. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Go for a run
Ever heard of runner’s high? Running helps you release endorphins which are the brain’s natural mood-boosting chemicals. Often termed as the ‘feel-good’ chemicals, they can fight off high levels of the stress-causing hormone cortisol. In fact, not just running—any form of cardio, including dancing, can uplift your mood instantly.

Select Topics of your interest and let us customize your feed.

PERSONALISE NOW
  • 74
About the Author

Grace is someone who likes writing enough to make a living out of it. When she isn’t writing, you will find her having chai and reading a book. ...Read More

Next Story