Being able to recognize the symptoms of extreme stress and actually doing something about them are two different things. This is because, when traditional stress relief methods don’t work, we simply assume that it is something we have to learn to live with.
Fortunately, this is simply not the case. You may just need to think outside the box a little. With that in mind, here are five unconventional, yet effective ways to reduce your stress.
Let it all out (by screaming). While it may alarm your neighbors, various studies have found that “the physical act of screaming may trigger a release of feel-good chemicals in the body.” Not only that, but it can also feel incredibly cathartic if you’ve been holding your emotions or negative feelings in for some time. Of course, this is not something that you should make a habit of, but you may find it useful as a one-off form of stress relief.
If you are looking for a similar method that is a little quieter, some people report similar results from dancing it out. As such, now may be the perfect time to press play on your favorite songs and dance your worries away!
Try CBD products. CBD-related products, such as those sold at your local Dispensary, can also help to reduce the feeling of stress and anxiety. This is because it can help to fill you with a sense of peace and calm, while also improving your sleeping habits.
Give yourself a hand massage. Some studies have found that giving yourself a hand massage, or applying pressure to specific places on your hand/wrist, can help to lower your anxiety levels. This is believed to be due to the fact that it can help stimulate the release of endorphins that lift your mood and spirits. Of course, you may get similar results from treating yourself to a massage at your local spa, too!
Chew gum. A study from the University of Nottingham found that “chewing gum more often, compared to never chewing gum, resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety” among participants. This, again, could be linked to the release of endorphins, though some find it helps to ground them when their minds are racing, as it gives them something else to focus on. Either way, it’s worth giving it a try!
Hug your pet. While our pets are always deserving of cuddles, various studies have found that giving your pet a hug, or otherwise spending time with them, is a great way to reduce your stress levels and lift your spirits. If you’re not able to have a pet of your own, consider volunteering at a shelter or using apps such as Borrow My Doggy.
Final thoughts. Sometimes, the conventional methods used to reduce stress, such as going for a walk and taking deep breaths, simply do not cut it. In these cases, however, you may find that the steps outlined above provide you with the release you need!
