10 Proven Ways to Reduce Stress Without Meditating
There will always be stress in your life, but if you don't deal with it, it can hurt your mental and physical health. Many people find that meditation helps them deal with stress, but there are many other tried-and-true methods you can try as well, these are real-world tips that will help you feel better.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Everyone feels stressed sometimes, but you don’t always need to meditate to deal with it. From simple breathing exercises to physical activities, this piece talks about 10 useful and effective ways to lower stress. You can easily use these techniques in your daily life, and they work to calm your mind and body. You can feel less stressed and more peaceful even on your busiest days if you follow these tips.
1. Exercise Regularly
Nathan Cowley on Pexels
One of the best ways to deal with worry is to do something that makes you feel good, like working out. Moving your body helps your mind calm down, whether it’s a quick walk, a jog, or a workout. Regular exercise not only makes your body healthier, but it also clears your mind, which makes it easier to deal with stressful situations.
2. Practice Deep Breathing
Antoni Shkraba on Pexels
One quick way to calm down and feel less stressed is to take slow, deep breaths. Focused breathing helps your parasympathetic nervous system work, which lowers your blood pressure and slows down your heart rate. To feel better right away, try taking four deep breaths, keeping them for four seconds, and then letting them out for four seconds.
3. Spend Time in Nature
Eneida Nieves on Pexels
Going outside can help you feel less stressed because the trees and fresh air can clear your mind. You can forget about the worries of everyday life when you walk in the park or spend time in other green places. Your mind and body will feel calm when you’re in nature.
4. Stay Organized
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
A cluttered area can make your mind cluttered, which can make you feel more stressed. Keeping your living and work environment clean can help you think more clearly and feel less stressed. Setting aside time every day to clean up and organize your space can help you feel better and get more done.
5. Listen to Music
Shantanu Kumar on Pexels
Music can change your mood right away, making you feel calmer and less worried. Playing your favorite songs can take your mind off things and help you relax. No matter if it’s classical music, sounds from nature, or something more upbeat, music can help calm you down.
6. Connect with Loved Ones
Taylor Marx on Pexels
Spending time with family and friends can be very relaxing and help you deal with worry. Having friends and family around is good for your mental health, and telling someone about your stress can make you feel better. Even a short chat or activity that you do together can help you feel better and give you a new viewpoint.
7. Laugh More
damla selen demir on Pexels
The chemical endorphins, which make you feel good, are released when you laugh, which naturally relieves stress. It can help you relax to watch a funny movie, listen to a humor podcast, or tell jokes with your friends. Laughing every day is good for your body and mind, so it’s a fun and useful way to deal with stress.
8. Limit Screen Time
Neslihan Ercan on Pexels
Spending too much time in front of a screen, especially on social media, can make you feel stressed and anxious. Taking breaks from your computer or phone helps you relax and keeps you from getting too excited. Set limits on how much time you spend in front of a computer, like not using it before bed or taking breaks often at work.
9. Engage in a Creative Hobby
Caroline Feelgood on Pexels
Doing things you enjoy, like drawing, writing, cooking, or knitting, can help you deal with stress. Being creative gives your mind a break from the stresses of everyday life and lets you express yourself in a useful way. Hobbies take your mind off of things and make you feel good about what you’ve done.
10. Get Enough Sleep
Polina on Pexels
Getting enough sleep is important for dealing with worry and keeping your emotions in check. Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to deal with stressful scenarios and make you feel more anxious. Try to get between 7 and 9 hours of good sleep every night to feel more rested and ready to face the challenges of the day.