These are just temporary stress relievers that sometimes help me through the day. They aren't intended to fix the underlying, structural causes of stress. Things like lack of exercise, crap diet, sleep deprivation, over scheduling, toxic relationships, etc... I highly recommend dealing with those, but I know that's a long term project for most of us.
In the meantime, here's some quick fixes to help you through:
Breathe Deeply with Eyes Closed
In through the nose and out through the mouth. I do roughly 5 seconds each way, but find whatever is comfortable for you.
Smile Big
The bigger, the better! I don't mean smile big next time you smile. I mean just slap a big ol' smile on right now wherever you are. It really works!
Laugh
The bigger, the better here as well!
Pray (or Meditate)
Not that I would ever presume to tell you how to pray, however I highly recommend not treating it like a Christmas wish list to Santa.
I usually start with thanks and then ask for guidance and wisdom. A Bible verse that I like is 'Be still, and know that I am God.' It's a good reminder that the world does not rest on my shoulders. I'm not responsible for anything beyond my own choices and sphere of influence.
Help Someone Else
This can be as simple as holding a door or delivering a printout to someone's desk when you're grabbing your own stuff from the printer.
Take a Short Walk
Not much to say on this one. OK, I thought of something. It doesn't even need to be outside, although outside is probably ideal. Just take the long way around your office, or school, or even your house. We have a lab here at my work, so it's easy to take a pretty good trek without ever stepping outside. Just get up and move!
Drink Your Grateful Juice (Count Your Blessings)
I know it's cliche, but things could always be worse! So regardless of what you're dealing with, you still have things for which to be grateful. Believe me, I know it doesn't always feel that way, but it's still true! Contemplate the blessings you already have.
Clench Your Butt for 10 Seconds
This is one of my favorites! It's like a mini workout you can do sitting down.
Yawn Big
I'm pretty sure you know how to yawn, but I just can't help myself. I like to do a nice, long inhale through my mouth and then slowly roll my head back as my lungs get near full.
Stretch Your Neck and Arms
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Lend an Ear (Listen to Someone Else's Problems)
This is like a two-fer. You get the good feeling of helping someone just by listening and you also get the benefit of being able to say to yourself, 'at least I don't have their problems!'
Make a To-Do List
I love lists! It's the first concrete step toward accomplishing any goal or task. At the very least, you can eliminate the fear you will forget something important you need to remember. But keep it short and simple. Listing every single thing you need to do can easily have the opposite effect of relieving stress!
Hope some of these are helpful. As always, thank you for reading. Please feel free to share your stress relieving ideas in the comments below. Have a great day!
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