Stress and anxiety are common experiences for many adults, with about 70 percent of adults in the United States experiencing stress and anxiety daily. If left ignored, stress and anxiety can manifest in the form of physical symptoms, ranging from headaches to nausea.
Contrary to popular belief, releasing stress doesn’t require an expensive spa day or a retreat. Here are some simple and effective methods to release stress.
Start exercising regularly
Although physical activity may send your body into temporary physical stress, numerous studies have shown that exercise relieves and reduces mental stress. Adults who exercise regularly are less likely to experience feelings of stress and anxiety than those who don’t exercise.
Because exercise reduces stress hormones within the body, exercising regularly can leave you feeling less stressed in the long run. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers released by the body that improve mood. In addition, exercising regularly will make you feel more confident, encouraging a positive mental state.
Experiencing stress and anxiety regularly is likely to interrupt the quality of your sleep. Exercising can tire you out after a stressful day and can help you sleep more soundly.
To start exercising, try finding an activity or routine that you find fun. Whether you choose to walk the dog or run a marathon, repetitive movements can help release stress and enhance mental focus.
Speak to a therapist
Seemingly insignificant life events can seriously affect mental well-being. For example, an individual feeling stressed over their job may start skipping work and avoiding assignments. When left ignored, stress can lead to debilitating physical symptoms, including panic attacks and insomnia.
Therapy is an effective method for reducing stress and feelings of loneliness. Speaking to a therapist gives patients an outlet to express their feelings. In turn, therapists seek to understand their patients’ feelings while providing insights and help patients develop coping mechanisms. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help adults release stress caused by emotional issues, loneliness, social isolation, and mental rumination.
Consider scheduling an appointment with a therapist in your area. Try asking your primary care doctor for a referral or conducting a location-specific Google search, such as “NYC therapists.” Because therapists help patients learn how to deal with stressful situations, therapy can ultimately help reduce feelings of anxiety in the long run.
Pick up a new hobby
While hobbies are typically considered activities for individuals with quiet lives, even adults with hectic and stressful lives need hobbies. Hobbies provide individuals with an outlet to release stress, as well as some much-needed time away from their daily routine.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider picking up writing or drawing. Journaling can give you the opportunity to let out thoughts and feelings in a private space, while drawing can help you express feelings in a physical form.
If you’re looking for something more thrilling, try going shooting. Shooting a gun triggers a fight-or-flight response, causing the brain to release adrenaline and other hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. After the initial head rush, the nervous system releases chemicals to calm down the body.
For many novices, the rush of hormones and adrenaline comes with effective stress-relieving effects. Mastering the skill of shooting can also serve as a satisfying reward. If you’re interested in picking up shooting as a hobby, consider investing in high-quality shooting equipment like the Maxim Defense PDW brace.
From exercising regularly and attending therapy to picking up a new hobby, numerous simple and effective methods can release stress. Ultimately, setting aside time to release stress can promote improved mental well-being and increase productivity.
