5 strategies to decompress and feel awesome!
Ever wonder how some people just seem to have it all under control? They have the ideal relationships, the most cooperative family members, and the best working environment? What sets them apart is not down to luck, what sets them apart is their ability to manage stress in a seemingly busy world we live in.
There are 2 types of nervous systems in the body, the parasympathetic (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
We, humans, function optimally 97% of the time on the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This system is in charge of rest, relaxation, and digestion of our body. It is where we thrive most.
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the system that ideally operates just 1-3% of the time, it is the system that is activated when we feel stressed, unable to focus, and leads to inability in making effective and beneficial decisions.
In today’s work culture, we’re constantly met with the expectations to be stressed. With stress being the characteristic of humans living in the city, we are stressed with all sorts of stuff: bills, meetings, obligations, to-dos, grocery shopping, you name it. We are constantly in a state of stress. This means we are functioning on the sympathetic nervous system, and this takes a toll on our bodies.
Operating constantly on the SNS leads to inflammation in the body and this is not something we or our family doctors will want to see on a regular check-up report.
What sets high-achievers and joyful people apart from the stressful feeling individuals is their ability to manage stress.
Ways to destress:
1.Journaling
Journaling keeps us present in the moment, aware and mindful of the experiences we have in our day to day life. Journaling down your feelings can also help you reconnect with yourself and form a deeper bond and understanding of yourself. Self-awareness is crucial in this day and age for it helps us recognize and know with greater clarity our desires and our trigger points.
2. Connect with nature
Connecting with nature is one of the top and highly recommended ways to destress. While COVID restrictions are a consideration in our current reality, even a short 5 minutes walk along nearby parks, or growing a plant in your home can help you feel better. Having some sort of interaction with the natural environment (trees or the beaches) can activate your PNS, the rest and relax nervous system, downregulate and alleviate stressful responses in your body.
3. Art creation
When was the last time you got your mind off work to engage in art and crafts? As creating art uses both the mind and the body, it is a wonderful way of stress relief that also promotes personal qualities such as creativity and patience. There are many affordable craft materials and lessons you can purchase online. Alternatively, you can start by using materials available around you. Enjoy the process and do not hurry, let your overworked brain relax and recover from the stress of the day.
4. Self-hypnosis
Self-hypnosis is one of my favourite ways to destress. Playing a relaxation recording with slow rhythmic music in the background can help soothe the nervous system. Listening to hypnosis recordings also retrain the brain to stay calm and clear-minded through the rest of the day instead of being caught up in the reaction mode society promotes.
5. Sweat it out
Can you recall the times when you’ve participated in a sports challenge or a long marathon? How did you feel after you’ve completed the workout?
Engaging in a form of exercise that suits you keeps you interested in continuing the workout. As we move our body, we release tension that is kept in the body, and release a chemical called endorphin. The release of endorphins results in positive feelings and helps with relaxation.
Which of the above suggestions is your favorite? What other methods do you use to self-soothe? Share them in the comments below!
Also, if you know someone who will benefit greatly from this post, forward this link to them!
Cheering you on,
Carina
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