Surprising activities that help you relax instantly
What's the story
Stress is a part and parcel of life but discovering effective ways to deal with it can prove difficult.
Although traditional stress-busters like exercise and meditation are widely-known, here are some bizarre stress-relievers that may surprise you.
Laughter, spending time in nature, journaling, and coloring have all been scientifically proven to help lower stress levels.
These activities provide unique benefits that'll improve your mental health without taking too much time or money.
Laughter's impact
The power of laughter
Laughter is often called the best medicine for a reason.
It triggers the release of endorphins- chemicals in the brain that promote a sense of well-being and relieve pain.
Studies suggest laughter can decrease stress hormones and increase immune cells by up to 20%, improving your resistance to disease.
Incorporating humor into your daily routine through funny videos or jokes can be an easy way to boost your mood.
Nature's benefits
Nature's healing touch
Spending time in nature has always been linked with reduced stress levels and improved mood.
Being outdoors can lower cortisol levels by up to 15%, which is a hormone associated with stress.
Be it a walk in the park or sitting by a lake, connecting with nature gives you an opportunity to reflect and relax from your daily pressures.
Journaling insights
Journaling for mental clarity
Journaling lets you put your thoughts and feelings down on paper without any restraints. It gives you clarity and perspective on a stressful situation.
In fact, writing about feelings has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms by some 30%.
Maintaining a journal also helps you sort your thoughts out, recognize patterns in your behavior/thinking, and track your progress over time.
Coloring therapy
Coloring as mindful meditation
Coloring isn't just for kids; it's therapeutic for adults too.
It demands our attention to tasks like choosing colors and staying within lines, mirroring effects of meditation.
This activity calms our mind, reducing anxiety by about 25%.
Adult coloring books with intricate designs offer a mindfulness practice accessible to all ages, requiring no artistic skills.