5 Ways to Feel Fantastic and Reduce Stress

Stress affects all of us. And ever since Covid hit our lives and turned them upside down, our stress levels are higher than ever before. As if they weren’t high enough already. Today, I went back into work for the first time since March when everything shut down. At first, it was great! People I loved were there, people I had missed. Because working online just isn’t the same, is it? We did some great team building activities and acknowledged the varied experiences and emotions we all have around Covid. And then, it started not to be so great as all the expectations and guidelines were presented.

Hearing everything we have to do, all they ways we have change, realizing that the learning curve is not not a curve but a dead drop, was jarring and created intense anxiety in me. I could see the anxiety in those around me too. And as the day went on, more and more questions kept occurring to me. More and more ways that I just had no idea how to do my job anymore. I left drained, exhausted, anxious and discouraged. But being me, I held all of that inside of me until I got home. Then, I got a headache and the fatigue settled in and I really felt like a wet rag. So, to get to my point: I experienced some real stress today. And I want to share with you some great ways to reduce stress and feel fantastic.

Get a Massage

Stress and tension build up in the body. Sore back anyone? Shoulders, neck? I know you’re feeling it. I am too. If I could trade this body in for one that didn’t experience muscle tension I’d do it in a heartbeat. One of the best ways I have found to release that stress and tension is massage. I usually book an hour and get them to really focus on my problem spots. When you get home, be sure to soak in a hot bath to really gain all the benefits of the treatment.

Hit the Scandanavian Baths

Have you heard of this? The hot tub soak followed by a cold water dip and then you rest at room temperature? You can do this in specialized spas and it’s an amazing treatment. I’ve done it twice in my life, and both times I have come out feeling out amazing. As in all my worries evaporated. You reach a point where you really aren’t even thinking anymore, you’re just experiencing. This is pricy, but if you can splurge a couple of times a year, I highly recommend this as a way to really reach that zen state.

Meditate

I know, I know, meditation is so hard. It’s not easy trying to empty your mind and letting go and in fact, I don’t meditate. My mind races too much. But, you can take time out for some meditation by downloading apps like Calm, which have a wide selection of guided practices, music and more to assist you in learning to meditate. I find the selections on the free platform soothing as I have access to great calming music tracks that help me shift my mood and mindset.

Practice Yoga

Yoga is great for mind, body and soul. It really unifies the three, and you feel calm and uplifted afterwards. I stopped doing yoga workouts and instead just did yoga, and I found it incredible because my mind felt more centred and at peace, and my body felt less tense and tired and I felt better emotionally too. Uplifted, free, focused. So take out the yoga mat and find your downward dog.

Start Journalling

I know, I have recommended this many times already, but this really is a great way to reduce stress. Writing down your worries, things that bothered you, recording your feelings really does produce a catharsis in your brain and reduce stress–it’s scientifically proven! Buy that pretty notebook and get journalling. Best thing about this one is, you can do it anywhere really.

Final Thoughts …

I am honestly anticipating experiencing a lot of stress in the next few months. I have so many goals and dreams that I want to work towards, and I don’t want to let that stress get to me so I will be doing my best to reduce that stress. I know many of you are feeling sapped and tired too, but there are plenty of things we can do to reduce that stress and anxiety. The above are a few ways I think will really help you feel fantastic, but always remember to seek medical and mental support if you feeling ill, losing sleep, losing weight, experiencing severe anxiety and depression or thinking of harming yourself. It’s very important to do so because we do not need to struggle and suffer on our own. You are worthy of life, and living your best, healthiest lives.

Have any other ideas to reduce stress and feel fantastic? Let me know in the comments!