Consider life like a video game, where you are the main protagonist running for your aim having to dodge the monsters and the dragons. Only if there was a magic potion in real life that gave us actual superpowers to fight the demons that come our way.
As we age, we level up, and so do our circumstances and situations. We go through many pressure points and a time may come when you feel you can’t take it anymore. You’ve tried and you’ve cried but you decide that’s it. Just remember that when you don’t feel good, your number one priority should be to make yourself feel good.
Stress can be caused by so many different factors. External factors beyond our control like workload, deadlines, major changes in life, relationship problems, financial situations, or health-related concerns are likely to cause stress.
Internal factors such as the negative beliefs that you hold, the unrealistic expectations that you keep, some past experiences you’ve had as well as medical health conditions can also cause stress.
Each of you reading this must have experienced stress at some time in your life. I’ve had terrible experiences and I was unable to cope with stress or manage stress. I quit and came out of one situation and saw that the other situation was not any different.
The point is that we are expected to perform under pressure, but are we taught how to perform under pressure? Well, I wasn’t.
Throughout my experiences, I’ve encountered a few practices that work as stress busters for me and help me uplift my mood. It not only kills my stress but also helps me recharge myself. I don’t mean that stress has been completely eradicated from my life. There are some stressful days that seem easier to manage with the right weapons by my side.
I want to share a few of those that have worked for me.
Move your body
Engaging in physical activity is said to trigger endorphins which help you boost your mood naturally. You can either dance, exercise, go for a run or a walk, or simply do some stretches.
It will surely help you get distracted from the source of stress.
When we are living a fast-paced life, it is not uncommon to feel stressed. You may want to accomplish many things and figure out everything all at once. But this feeling of stress can affect your performance and your overall well-being. It can have an impact on your relationships as well.
I have acquired the habit of dancing in front of the mirror since I was a kid. I still do it. This unintentional habit really helps me enhance my mood and feel energetic.
Play with your pets
Pets, I believe are natural therapists. I say that from my own experience.
I was not an animal-friendly person. In fact, I used to be scared of them and had never cuddled with an animal. But this changed last year when I adopted two kittens, Lili and Lalu.
Just looking at them play, holding them, and cuddling with them releases happy hormones. If you have a pet, you may resonate with what I mean. They help me keep my anxiety at bay.
So, you can spend time with your pet and kill your stress.
Take deep breaths
Focusing on your breath when stressed is the most accessible way to de-stress. Practicing breathing exercises on a regular basis has so many healing properties. It not only helps reduce stress and anxiety; it also aids in building immunity.
Breathing is something that does not require conscious effort and we often tend to overlook its benefits. But a function as simple as breathing is said to provide so many benefits to our mind and body.
My mother made me practice Pranayamas (breathing exercises) when I was a child. Simple conscious breaths help relax the mind and body.
You can consider practicing breathing exercises or Pranayamas like Kapalbhati, Vastrika Pranayam, Nadhi Shodhan Pranayama, etc. There are several videos on YouTube that guide you to perform these beneficial exercises.
Or you can just focus on taking some deep inhalation and exhalation. It will surely help you relax and calm your mind.
Create your feel-good music playlist
Music is a constant companion in our lives. It can be a source of inspiration and motivation for us. There are innumerable songs in so many different languages that we can listen to based on our mood.
While some may create music, and others may consume music. Either way, it can be a daily dose of dopamine to enhance your mood and kill stress.
In the age of Spotify and YouTube Music, it is not difficult to listen to your favourite songs on a loop. My sister is a hardcore fan of the Korean band BTS and she tells me how listening to their songs brings her deep joy.
When you are stressed, you can play your personal curated lists of feel-good music. I want to share a few songs that make me feel good and instill hope in me.
–A Million Dreams (The Greatest Showman)
–Sooraj Ki Bahon Mein (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)
When you feel stressed, just put on your favourite music and sing along. See how it can make you feel better.
Invest your time in your hobbies
Hobbies are a great way to unwind. It gives us a sense of fulfilment and deep satisfaction.
If you don’t know what your hobby is, ask yourself what activities you enjoy doing. It may be as simple as cooking, gardening, painting, writing, or reading.
I personally consider hobbies as activities we engage in without being conscious of the effort that is needed. I started my quotes page on Instagram as a hobby in 2020. Writing quotes and sharing my thoughts has been therapeutic to me, especially during the lockdown days when I was working from home.
Juggling too many tasks may make it difficult to put aside time for your hobby. Instead of perceiving hobbies as distractions, you can perceive them as boosters of mindfulness and creativity. It’s never too late to discover something you like doing. Find it and practice it regularly to cancel all the stress-causing activities.
Laugh
How often have we heard that ‘laughter is the best medicine’? Well, you can use laughter to relieve stress. Forcing laughter may not be easy in a state of stress.
However, you can lighten up your mood by inducing a heartful laugh. Watch your favourite comedy show or movie. A stand-up comedy video or a funny meme is helpful to induce laughter.
Modern Family is my recent favourite comedy show. It’s my go-to stressbuster after a long day of work.
So, you can add a little laughter to your lives. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to laugh a little. It works as an instant stressbuster.
Some circumstances are unavoidable and may cause stress. But, you my dear have the power to fight that feeling. Instead of dwelling on that feeling of stress, you can take charge to make yourself feel better.
My question for you is. How do you deal with stress? Leave a comment with your answers.
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