Which stress reducing activities work for you?

We are all aware that our stress load is more than we’d like it to be. We also know that sometimes, there isn’t much we can do to edit our current stress load. If you can’t reduce the stressors in your life, the best strategy might be to incorporate stress relieving activities into your daily routine. Which stress relieving activities are the best? Well that all depends on how your body responds to them. Here is a way to figure out what works for you.

1. Pick one stress relieving activity from the list below to practice,

2. Insert that stress relieving activity into your daily routine for 14 days.

3. Keep track of your morning metrics (heart rate, temperature, mood, energy level). 

4. Choose to keep or discard this technique based off your 14 day metrics.  Your body will either respond well to it or not.

5. Rinse and repeat until you have a battery of at least 5 stress relieving habits to help you moderate your chronic stress. 

• Meditate

• Do Yoga (this does not have to be a class, it can be a handful of poses)

• Do Tai Chi (this does not have to be a class, it ca be a handful of movements)

• Experiment with deep breathing methods 

• Use a sauna 

• Do Stretching / Foam Rolling / Joint mobility 

• Have meaningful conversions with friends or loved ones 

• Start journaling 

• Try Painting / Coloring / Drawing 

• Write notes / thank you notes / daily gratitudes 

• Spend time in nature

• Take walks 

• Participate in recreational activities

• Join a recreational sports team 

• Have coffee or walk date with a friend or someone you would like to know better

• Drink tea (while doing nothing) 

• Read

• Listen to music

• Try aromatherapy 

• Take a warm bath

• Use candles 

• Count your blessings 

• Notice the beautiful things (people, places, things) around you

• Find the silver lining

• Pay it forward / intentionally spread happiness