Are you experiencing stress? Even if you try hard to avoid it, stress can creep up on you! There are some scary facts about stress. Did you know that heart disease and high blood pressure are becoming commonly diagnosed in women only in their thirties? Women from all ages and walks of life are finding that the pressures of career, motherhood, and daily life in general are taking a massive toll on their health. And in the end, the result of such stress can be scary! Let’s face it, a life filled with to do lists, little kiddos, work hassles, relationships and home ownership can be wearing on anyone!
So what do you do? If you ask your doctor how to keep stress at bay, she may give you some tips to follow. Those tips include regular messages, to take relaxing vacations, or splurge on yourself once in awhile. And while those tips sound quite dreamy, the reality is they can be budget busters, and there is nothing stress free about that!
So don’t stress. The good news is there are plenty of free ways to beat stress and in turn lower your blood pressure and risk of other diseases! Here are a few activities and stress busting tips that don’t cost a dime and can make a huge difference in your day to day living!
10 Fast and Frugal Stress Relieving Tips:
1. Sing your heart out:
Sing a favorite song. You will breathe more fully and increase oxygen to your body. Pick your favorite and belt it out like no one is listening!
2. Watch your posture:
Sit up straight.When your shoulders are back you take pressure off your sternum and can breathe more freely and increase your circulation. Body pillows can also offer more support and help you relax.
3. Chomp away:
Enjoy some gum. Chewing will loosen the tension in your jaw. Opt for sugar free as it is better for your teeth and figure.
4. Find the sun:
This one is super fast and free. Turn your face to a warm window for a few minutes. The natural warmth and light will relax and restore you. Viola!
5. Don’t neglect your teeth.
Stimulating your gums can do wonders for the rest of your body. Brush your teeth. The stimulation to your gums and minty scent will revitalize and refresh you. Choose a tasty toothpaste and invest in a soft yet firm toothbrush.
6. Give your own hand massage:
Smooth on hand lotion. There are pressure points on your hands that when stimulated will evoke calm. Ancient remedies have relied on hand massage as a way to cure what ails you for hundreds of years, so give this quick fix a try.
7. Yell it out:
That is right, scream! Try scream therapy. While in your car just close the windows and let it go! It will help loosen up tension and let go of some emotional weigh down. Go in a closet or room and shut the door if you need to.
8. Find gardening bliss:
Nature can really help us relax. Play with plants. Just the act of caring for plant has been proven to induce calm and reduce stress. When work is stressing you out, spend a few minutes watering the plants and removing dead leaves.
9. Pet your pooch:
Pet an animal, any animal! No wonder pet owners are said to live longer! Petting the fur of an animal instantly releases feel good serotonin in the brain and brings a feeling of peace and calm. So calm you both down and pet away. So soothing!
10. Hold hands:
This one is a favorite. Find someone you love and hold their hand. Skin to skin contact is soothing and calming, plus helps us bond better with others and feel more relaxed. So find a loved one and hold hands and feel the stress melt away!
As you can see, stress relief does not have to be time consuming or budget busting. So don’t stress over finding ways to de-stress. These simple ideas are effective and also cost effective! Give one or give all a try and see what kind of difference it can make in your day to day living.
No need to schedule expensive massage appointments or invest in pricey stress relieving products. These ten tips will do the trip and do so on a dime!