Easy Ways to Beat Stress Quickly

Stress is a fact of life. It is defined as “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.”  The most common sources of stress are finances, work, and health. It is not always harmful as stress can cause you to be more productive but over time chronic stress and anxiety can wear you down mentally and physically. I’ve learned this the hard way!

Stress Statistics

• 75% of adults reported experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in the past month and nearly half reported that their stress has increased in the past year – American Psychological Association.
• 80% of workers feel stress on the job and nearly half say they need help in learning how to manage stress.  And 42% say their co-workers need such help – American Institute of Stress.
• Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide – World Health Organization
• 52% of adults say financial issues regularly stress them out. – Everyday Health

1.  Exercise

Studies have shown that exercising can release anxiety and put you in a positive mood. In one study, researchers found that people who got regular vigorous exercise were 25 percent less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over the next five years. Physical activity helps increase endorphins which make you feel good.  This is what gives runners a runner’s high.

2. Eat a warm bowl of oatmeal

There is something about a warm bowl of oatmeal that just makes you feel better.  Add a teaspoon of peanut butter and a bit of maple syrup to make it taste absolutely amazing! This comfort food is super healthy and contains vitamin B, magnesium and fiber which help reduce stress.  Oats also help serotonin production which is known as the antidepressant hormone.

3. Listen to some relaxing music

Listen to some relaxing music to calm your troubled soul.  Classical music can work wonders and music is one of the best and fastest ways to increase dopamine to help you feel better.  My favorite is “Far Horizons” from Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim below.

Scientists have ranked the 10 most relaxing songs in the world which you can listen to here.

4. Play a video game

Video games can be a great way to distract yourself and to de-stress quickly.  A few of my personal favorites include Tetris Effect, Stardew Valley and Minecraft. One of my favorite ways to unwind is to sit in a comfortable chair and play some retro games on SNES Classic.

5. Take a nap

Sleep is key to a healthy life.  Try to get at least 7 hours a day.  I know this can be tough but it is so worth it! If you have trouble sleeping make sure you are exercising during the day and avoid using electronics like your table or phone in the bed.  You may also want to try using a white noise machine.

6. Take a hot bath with epsom salt

One of my favorite ways to unwind on Sunday evening is to take a nice hot bath with epsom salt while listening to my favorite podcast or some relaxing music. The salt helps you feel more light weight and helps your muscles release tension and relax. You will also absorb the magnesium in the salt which is reduced when you are stressed out.

7. Breathe

Doing something as being mindful of your breathing can help relieve your anxiety.  Try the 4-7-8 method.  To do this breathe in for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 7, then exhale for a count of 8. Repeat this for five minutes. You will be amazed at how much better you feel once you are done.

8. Take a walk

Get outside and get moving!  Feel the sun on your face.  Get closer to nature.  This is guaranteed to boost your mood.

9. Play with your kids

If you have kids take some time to play with them.  There have been countless time I’ve been stressed but took some time to play with my son and daughter and I almost immediately felt better.  My kids are nuts so it’s hard not to find something to laugh about after just playing for a couple of minutes.

10. Drink a glass of strawberry milk

There is something calming and relaxing from drinking a tall ice cold glass of strawberry milk.  Milk includes a protein called lactium which helps relax the body and lowers blood pressure.  The potassium in milk helps your muscles relax.  Of course if you are lactose intolerant proceed with caution!

11. Call a friend

Give a friend a call that you haven’t talked to in a while.  Talk about your problems or something else all together.  This is a great way to keep things in perspective and to connect with another human on an emotional level.  Sometimes it helps just to talk about the things that are stressing you and you may find that they don’t sound nearly as bad once they are spoken aloud.

12. Meditate

Meditating or practicing mindfulness can be a great way to clear your mind and lower your anxiety.  You can also try repeating a mantra over and over in your mind. If you are religious one that has helped me is “Let go and let god”.

13. Drink some hot tea

A relaxing cup of hot tea can work wonders to improve your mood.  Try to avoid tea with caffeine and instead try peppermint, chamomile, or lemon balm tea.

14. Have more sex

Sex has been proven to help lower anxiety by helping release the hormone oxytocin which acts as a natural sedative which can improve sleep.  Sex can also lower your blood pressure and boost your overall outlook on life.  Don’t have a partner, solo sessions are also a great way to release tension.

15. Eat some dark chocolate

Dark chocolate has several health benefits including lowering blood pressure and it is chock full of antioxidants. It also helps lower your bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. I recommend the 85% cocoa variety.  The palmitic and stearic acids in dark chocolate also help you feel happier and improve your mood.

16. Look at this baby hippo

17. Pet your dog or cat

Studies have shown that just being around an animal decreases blood pressure.  They help fight off loneliness and can improve your mood and help with depression.

18. Read some inspirational quotes or a good book

Get out of your own head by reading some inspirational quotes. Some of my favorites include:

“Stress is caused by being ‘here’ but wanting to be ‘there.’
– Eckhart Tolle

“Rule number one is, don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule number two is, it’s all small stuff.”
– Robert Eliot

Here is one of my favorite Bible verses about how to deal with stress:

Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

19. Watch some funny YouTube videos

When all else fails try watching some funny YouTube videos. Here are a few that never fail to make me laugh!