Senior woman listens to music as a de-stress activity.

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Ways to Decrease Stress at Home

Stress is vital to our survival because it triggers our fight-or-flight response by producing:

  • Increased heart rate and pulse
  • Heightened muscle preparedness/tension
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Rapid breathing
  • Digestive system slowdown
  • Immune system suppression
  • A heightened sense of alertness/lack of sleep

But today’s unprecedented times and feelings of the unknown can create a near-constant state of alert called chronic stress. While a normal spike in stress might help you run from or fight off a bear, prolonged chronic stress can lead to serious health consequences, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Headaches
  • Asthma
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Alzheimer’s disease

This post will show you how to de-stress with helpful de-stress techniques and activities. 

How to reduce stress. 

The buildup of daily stress on your body and mind can have a long-term effect on your health. But the de-stress activities and de-stress techniques listed below can help you reduce stress and become happier and more relaxed.

  • Meditate: Find a comfortable place to sit and take some deep breaths until you find yourself becoming calm. If you find yourself distracted by your thoughts or your to-do list or upcoming projects, focus instead on taking deep breaths.
  • Swim: Being in the water, whether swimming, walking or floating, is a healthy way to reduce stress.
  • Walk: One of the best exercises to reduce stress is walking outdoors. Being in the fresh air is a natural relaxant.
  • Listen to music: Play relaxing or calming music in your home to help reduce stress.
  • Tea time: Tea is one of the foods that reduce stress. Try herbal teas with chamomile, lavender or lemon for de-stressing. However, caffeinated teas at night can affect the quality of your sleep.
  • Yoga: For help reducing stress and lowering your blood pressure and heart rate, try yoga.
  • Garden: Working in your garden/flower bed or planting some flower pots can provide a renewed sense of life.
  • Crafts and hobbies: Doing what you enjoy provides relief for your mind and can help ease worries.
  • Dance: Taking a dance class or just dancing around the house can help reduce stress through physical exercise and having fun. 
  • Spa night: Unwind by pampering yourself with a bubble bath, calming music and candlelight.
  • Aromatherapy: Using an essential oil diffuser can help lower your stress levels.
  • Day-end review: Before falling asleep, think of three positive things that happened in the day or three things you are grateful for. Practicing gratitude can lead to lower levels of stress.
  • Laugh: Watching a comedy or laughing with friends can help lighten your mental load and also cause positive physical changes. 
  • Furry friends: Being around a pet can help provide more stress relief.
  • Spread joy: When we focus on doing something nice for someone else, we forget some of our own struggles and burdens. 
  • Find the positive: Focusing on what’s good in your life allows your brain to take a break from worry and to rest and recuperate.
  • Say “no”: Having too many things to do can cause unnecessary stress. Try listing your responsibilities and activities, and choose a few items to say “no” to. 
  • Ask for help: To reduce your workload and stress, ask for help from family and friends with lawn care, house cleaning and transportation 
  • Sleep: When you’re well rested, you’re able to think more clearly, allowing you to feel less overwhelmed. 
  • Volunteer: Helping others can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. 
  • Declutter: Having a well-organized living space makes it easier to relax and find the items you need. Declutter one space at a time, removing items you no longer need, and organize those you wish to keep. 
  • Movie night: Choose a favorite film, and make a delicious snack. Your mind and body will appreciate the dedicated time for rest and relaxation.

Discover a lifestyle dedicated to wellness.

At Lakewood, we have a philosophy of whole-person wellness focused on helping you live a healthier and happier life. Our campus features an indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center where you can de-stress and relax. Plus, our West End location puts you close to a variety of outdoor activities. To learn more about the benefits of our lifestyle, contact us.