9 Ways to Decompress From Stress

Having a long day at the office? A week that won’t end?  

You’re not alone.  

Research shows that most Americans are suffering from moderate to high stress, with 44 percent reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years.  

And unfortunately, a lot of the things that stress us out are things we can’t control. Your commute, boss or a project you’re working on might all have you pulling your hairs.  

So what are you supposed to do? 

After all of that, you needed to decompress. 

Here are a few things that might work: 

1. Deep breathing 

Try this:  

Inhale deeply. Hold it. Let the breath out, counting to 10.  

Feel the tension and stress flowing out of you with your breath. Repeat 3-10 times, as necessary, and think about exhaling the stress through you. 

2. Talk it out 

It may seem obvious, but this tip is often overlooked. Sometimes stress can build up simply because you have a nagging issue that needs addressing or you simply need to vent about your day.  

Talking to a loved one or professional can help, but don’t be afraid to just gab to yourself if no one is around! 

3. Exercise 

*Groan* It’s impossible to read a list like this without seeing “Exercise”, isn’t it?  

But it’s true that getting your blood pumping is good for your brain.  

Do you hate running and despise the gym? Instead, challenge yourself to a quick 5-minute home workout every day this week.  

Don’t forget that any exercise helps! 

4. Get outdoors 

A soft reset is something we all need, and nature is always happy to oblige.  

If you’re a client of ours, then you have access to some of the greatest outdoors in the country, so use them! Ski, snowshoe, or even just go out for a bit. (And with all that activity you can knock two stress decompressors out at once!) 

Wherever you live, get outside and breathe in the fresh air. 

5. Meditate or practice mindfulness 

You don’t need any training to have a relaxing meditation session. Even a short session can leave you feeling like a new person.  

Don’t get frustrated if you’re having trouble by yourself! Perhaps try a quick, guided meditation to start off. 

6. Take a day off 

Of course, this may not be an option for everyone. But if you can, consider taking a stay-cation from your job or other responsibilities. This can be a great way to cleanse your mind of your daily activities and hit the restart button on your stress level. 

7. Read 

No, we don’t mean social media posts on your phone...  

Get a good book from the library or a bookstore that can transport you away from your stress and get lost in it.  

Need recommendations? Ask this tool what you should read next. 

8. Disconnect 

The dim glow from the electronics in our lives sure can be a strain. It wouldn’t hurt our eyes if we all took some time away from our phones, tablets, and computers. Plus, it would really help our brains. 

9. Take a nap 

No explanation needed. You might be surprised how some brief shut-eye can help you decompress from stress.