How to relax: 10 tips to destress

24 October | Daniel Hollyman

It’s a fact: modern life is stressful. From work to screen-life balance, there are many sources of stress which can be a struggle to control. So, how to destress when you need a quick cool-down? Here are our 10 top tips to relax when stress strikes.

1. Take a break

If you’re feeling stressed, taking a break can be a great solution to let go of tension. Take 10 minutes to relax and take your mind off things, or even call it a day if you can afford to. Things can feel overwhelming when you’re in the midst of it, but taking some time to distance yourself from the source of stress can help you relax and see everything more clearly.

2. Breathe

It almost seems too easy to be true, but breathing is your best ally to combat and reduce stress. The 4-7-8 breathing technique is a simple yet effective way to relax, wherever you are. After breathing out through the mouth, close it and count to 4 while breathing in through the nose. Hold your breath and count to 7, then count to 8 while breathing out through the mouth. Repeat that exercise 3 times for a quick cool-down.

3. Exercise

Exercise is probably one of the most effective tips to relax and let go of stress. Whether you go for a walk, a run or a swim, exercise makes your body release endorphins, which help improve your mood. It can also have a long-term effect against stress and anxiety if you exercise regularly, reducing the body’s stress hormones, such as cortisol.

4. Meditate

Meditation is a great way to combat stress and anxiety. There are many YouTube channels, podcasts and apps out there that will teach you how to let go of stress with meditation. Don’t worry about doing it “right”. You will master the technique better and better over time, for an increasingly effective impact on stress and anxiety.

5. Create

Artistic practice can help reduce stress by making your mind and body focus on a creative outlet and helping you express your feelings. Whether you like drawing, writing or playing music, let your creative juices flow to drown your stress and anxiety.

6. Express yourself

Take a moment to put your thoughts and feelings down on paper. What is stressing you out at the moment? How do you feel? Are there any ways you can address this issue? Write it all down. It will help you take some distance and understand how to address the source of your stress.

7. Get some help

Call a friend. Ask your manager. Get help from a professional. You don’t have to do this alone, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re dealing with a stressful situation. It’s a simple, yet often very effective way to relax.

8. Try natural remedies

Nature provided us with powerful ways to combat stress. Try natural remedies to relax and reduce stress and anxiety naturally. Green tea, for example, may lower stress and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels. CBD has also been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for many common ailments such as stress and anxiety. You can find our range of CBD products here.

9. Replace unhealthy habits

It’s easy to think a quick cigarette or a coffee break will help you relax, but they might actually increase your stress levels in the long term. Try to stop or reduce unhealthy habits such as smoking to take care of your health and wellbeing. Replace these habits with better ones: switch coffee for green tea, tobacco for CBD vapes.

10. Learn to say no

If you’re wondering how to destress, sometimes the solution is simply to say stop. You don’t have to answer all your calls or take on all the projects. Learn how to identify when you’re reaching your limit and don’t be afraid to say no.

Now you know how to relax when stress strikes, why not learn more about our tips to sleep better?