8 stress relievers to balance your mind

by Jacinta Koelewyn on Sunday 26 June 2022

5 min read

Love it or loathe it, stress is a part of daily life. A bit of stress can be the helpful push to meet your deadlines, complete your school or work assignments, and find effective solutions for your problems. But too much stress can be harmful to your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Discover 8 stress relievers to calm down and balance your mind – so you can reduce the stress you experience on a daily basis and better manage it.

1. Meditation

In the chaos of day-to-day life, it can be hard to take a moment to stop and re-centre yourself. Meditation is a brilliant way to feel calmer and more relaxed in a matter of minutes. It’s a great way to break that constant cycle of stress and worry in your head, so you can breathe easier and take stress out of the driver’s seat. 

New to meditation? Check out our simple guide to mediation now.

2. Getting lost in nature

Spending time in nature can be a great antidote for stress. It can:

  • Reduce anxiety
  • Lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels
  • Calm your nervous system
  • Boost immune system function
  • Improve your mood.

Whether it’s your local park, the beach, a forest or even an eco-friendly getaway in nature, getting outdoors for even an hour or two is the perfect way to relieve stress.

3. Prioritising good sleep

Having a good night’s sleep is kind of like a secret superpower for stress. It can help you feel more patient, less easily agitated and more capable to tackle the stresses of daily life.

What’s ironic is that if you’re already stressed, you may find it hard to sleep. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to sleep better – such as swapping out late-night workouts for exercise in the day.

4. Eating well

If you’re feeling stressed, it’s easy to reach for those comfort foods (ice cream and pizza, we’re looking at you!). But too much of these sort of foods can ultimately make you feel worse, making the stress cycle continue.

Eating a well-balanced diet gives your body the fuel it needs to work at its best, support your immune system and repair damaged cells. It gives you the energy and nutrition it needs to feel supported, helping it cope with stressful events.  

5. Moving your body

Exercise and physical activity help your body produce feel-good endorphins, bringing with it a range of psychological benefits. Whether it’s working up a sweat in the gym, in a group class or even simply enjoying a walk – moving your body is an almost sure-fire way to feel better and kick stress to the curb.

6. Catching up with a friend

Life gets stressful sometimes! Debriefing with a friend is a great way to talk through some of the stresses in your life to either simply feel heard and supported, or find potential solutions. Spending time with someone you care about also distracts you and gets you out of the house – both of which can be fantastic for combatting stress.

7. Treating your home like your sanctuary

When life feels like it’s going a million miles an hour, your home can be a great place to escape to chill, relax and let the day’s stresses melt away. As cliché as it is, a tidy house is a tidy mind – so if you’ve noticed your home becoming cluttered and messy, it may be time to give it some love.

We’ve compiled some tips on how to create a more peaceful home, including cleaning your room and adding some indoor plants. 

8. Hitting up a yoga class

If you’re been experiencing physical or mental fatigue, it could be a sign your body and mind need some love. Our yoga classes are designed to help you move your body in a way that feels good, while helping you destress and re-centre yourself. 

For the ultimate refresh for your body, mind and soul, our Yoga Calm class is perfect for tense bodies and busy minds.

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