Life has been crazily busy and stressful in the past couple of weeks, and I feel like I’ve been running around like crazy. I am smoothing out college planning, and am trying to complete some projects before the big move in day. Here have been some of my favorite ways to destress!
Make a thankful for list
Remembering what you’re thankful for is great for days when you’re down in the dumps! Family, a warm bed to snuggle into every night, a cozy sweater.
Watch a favorite movie
A favorite movie or TV show is one of my favorite ways to relax after a long day! Choose a light comedy, an inspirational feel-good, or an old favorite.
Enjoy a cup of tea
A warm cup of tea (or a refreshing fruit smoothie on a hot day) is light and cozy. Destress after a chaotic day with a healthy, sweet cup of tea.
Go for a quiet walk
In the early morning or late afternoon, take a brief quiet walk around your neighborhood. Look at the trees, listen to birds fluttering, and appreciate the simple beauty of everything.
Turn off your cell phone
With constant connection, keeping up with everything on your phone can unknowingly stress us out during the day. And, the bright lights in many electronics are often less than calming. Unplugging for a few hours (or a day) can help reset your brain.
Play soothing music
Music creates atmosphere. Soothing music before a nap, or in the background can help even some of the most stressful days. Some of my favorites are:
- Strawberry Swing by Coldplay
- Say (All I Need) by OneRepublic
- Always by Switchfoot
- Yellow by Coldplay
- Lullaby by OneRepublic
- Home by Michael Buble
- Word of God Speak by MercyMe
- All This Time by OneRepublic
- Oceans by Hillsong
Take a nap in the sun
I love falling asleep in the sunlight. For a much needed nap, grab a blanket and bask in the sunlight.
Read a light book
Curling up to a good book is a great way to temporarily escape reality, and let your imagination run free. Light reading is one of my favorite ways to destress!
Smile at strangers
Smiling, and watching people smile back, is great for brightening your day. 🙂
Bake something sweet
Exercise and keeping healthy is great – but there’s nothing wrong with splurging on a cupcake every now and then! From fluffy cupcakes to sweet chocolate; bake a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Declutter
Decluttering always makes me feel less stressed. There’s something about keeping stuff to a minimum, and getting rid of clutter that I don’t need, want, or like. In the past few weeks, I’ve purged a lot of old clothing, plus paper junk and more.