1. Get Moving!
With that new gym membership you just got for the New Year, reap some benefits other than getting that summer bod! Exercising makes you happy through the release of endorphins, while reducing the likelihood of depression. If the gym isn’t for you, we suggest getting outside and paddle boarding, going on a walk, or going for a scenic bike ride. And for those days when exercising is definitely not happening, have a mini dance party in your room! Invite your friends over, blast your favorite songs, and dance the day away!
2. Indulge in Some Scent Therapy
3. Technology Detox
Consider destressing with a little technology detox every day. Now we don’t mean to throw out your phone and give it up completely, but try setting aside 30 minutes right when you wake up, after work, or before bed to enjoy life screen free. You’ll likely find yourself releasing some anxiety; you may even become more productive or find yourself connecting more with others.4. Talk About It!
Sometimes the best way to let out all those anxious feelings is simply by opening up and sharing what's on your mind. Whether you talk with a good friend, a family member, or join an online support group (like the one on the ADAA’s website), it’s so important to vent about your feelings and release all the stress you've been piling up. Don’t think your problems don’t matter. You are important and deserve to be heard, so scream it from the rooftops if you need to! Trust us, you’ll feel a lot better.
5. Create an at home Spa Day
When it comes to self care, don’t forget to treat yourself! Because let’s be real, it’s been a long week, you need to destress, and the spa sounds like the perfect solution. The only issue is that spas can be expensive, so here's our solution: invite your girls over and bring the spa to you! Try out some fun DIYs, like our DIY pore strips or DIY sugar scrub (it smells incredible, you’ll want to use it every day). Make sure to set the mood and create a calming environment with your favorite scent, some relaxing spa music, and let your mind unwind and destress with your new spa DIYs.
6. Meditate
One of the simplest things you can do to help yourself reduce stress and anxiety is meditation! We understand how crazy life can get, between balancing work, a social life, and exercising (seriously, there’s not enough hours in the day), but we promise you’ll benefit from taking 10 minutes out of your day just to sit and meditate. We suggest using Headspace, an app built for meditation anytime and anywhere - so feel free to destress in the morning, during work, or even before bed.7. Write it Down
Remember being little and writing down every little thing that happened in your diary? Writing and journaling can be a great way to destress and unwind from an anxiety filled day and allow your mind to ease. Whether serious writing or doodling is your forte, letting your mind wander and getting creative can be a great way to let go of built up stress! Even something as simple as writing down a list of to-dos or writing down things that didn’t completely go wrong during your hectic day can help. Draw, doodle, write a novel. Whatever way your mind sways creatively will be perfect for throwing that anxiety away.
8. Try Something New
We get so sucked into routines - wake up, go to work, work out, go to bed - sound familiar? Don’t forget to try something new! There’s something enticing about finding a new hobby, reading a brand new book, or discovering a new trail. Finding something that can break up your normal routine can be a new outlet to relieve your stress from the day and be a great coping mechanism from anxiety. You may meet new people or discover a new skill, so go try something new that will allow you to relax and unwind - you never know what may come from it!
Regardless of how you choose to practice self care remember to check in with yourself throughout the day and practice the self love you may be needing. Shop our brand new Anxiety Awareness Style Pack (below)! For every purchase, we'll donate 10% back to the ADAA.
Do you have any other ways you like to destress? Comment your favorite ways to relax and unwind below.
