In today’s fast-paced world, stress can be an uninvited companion. It can transform even simple tasks into a burden as one becomes overwhelmed by the anxious or stressful to-do list of the day. If this sounds like something you’re going through, then we are here to present one of the best tips on how to de-stress quickly. 

So keep on reading to learn the research-based tips to lessen the stress and make your everyday life easier.

10 Ways to Reduce Stress Quickly and Find Your Calm in Chaos

We have gathered some of the best and easiest ways to relieve stress and anxiety quickly. So, without further ado, let’s get going. 

1. Go Outside

We all have heard the phrase “Go get some fresh air” whenever we felt trapped by our thoughts. 

The truth is that changing your environment, even temporarily, can work wonders in clearing your head and decreasing stress. Even research suggests that a 10-minute brisk stroll outside can reduce your anxiety levels, making it a way to de-stress quickly and find calm. 

So, taking a short walk outside, smelling roses, or just walking on fallen autumn leaves can help you in times of stress and work as a natural stress reliever. And if you make some time on weekends, try nature bathing. Taking in the sights and sounds of nature may do wonders for your mental and physical well-being. Read more about Nature Bathing and How To Do It here. 

2. Clean the Cutter

Yes, it might not be the first thing you want to do when stressed, but being surrounded by junk will only make you feel worse. So, remove or discard any extra things that make you shift your focus. But remember, you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Start small, like setting those work papers in order or cleaning up your desk.

Or if you are looking for how to relieve stress quickly at home, even washing dishes can help you. According to researchers at Florida State University, washing dishes mindfully can help reduce nervousness and anxiety by 27% and increase mental inspiration by 25%. 

So, whenever you feel overwhelmed, just remember to declutter to destress!

3. Use Your Breath 

Trying some breathing exercises is another tried and tested way to destress. It has been found that performing breathing exercises can significantly lower your heart rate and anxiety levels. 

There are many breathing exercises you can try. For example, if you feel stressed or anxious before a doctor’s appointment, try deep or pursed lip breathing. 

Or, if you want a quick method, consider using alternate nostril breathing. To perform it, place one right thumb on the right nostril and inhale via the left nostril. Now alternate the sequence, inhale via the right nostril, and block the left one. You can make it a daily habit to do this exercise for 30 minutes. Over time, you’ll likely notice a positive shift in your overall stress levels and well-being.

4. Drink Herbal Tea  Or an Orange Juice

Enjoying herbal tea is another way in the list of how to de-stress quickly and calm down. Herbal teas like peppermint, lavender, passionflower, and chamomile have been well-studied for their anti-anxiety and calming effect on the nervous system. So take a few moments out of your stress-free time, brew tea, and sip out the worries. 

Not a tea person? No problem. Instead, get a glass of fresh orange juice to cool off. Studies show that the vitamin C in orange juice may help ease the stress better by lowering the stress hormone cortisol. 

So, whatever you choose from the options above, give it a try once or twice, and you’ll feel the difference for yourself!

5. Eat a Piece of Chocolate Or Chew a Gum

If you are looking for a more delicious way of beating stress, then try eating a piece of chocolate. Since it includes chemicals that can train your brain to lower stress hormones, indulging in this delicious delicacy is completely guilt-free. Always choose a small dark piece of chocolate. 

And here is another tip: you can also try chewing gum! White is the king of weird, but there’s some evidence that chewing gum can trigger relaxation-inducing neurons in the brain. 

So, go ahead and take a small piece of gum or a dark chocolate and have your moment of calm. 

6. Splash Cold Water

Another unusual but one of the true ways to relieve tension and stress is splashing some cold water on the face. Some evidence also backs up the claim that immersing in cold water can engage your body’s reaction system and reduce the stress response. 

So, there is no harm in giving it a try. Just 15–20 seconds of cool water on your face, and feel the instant decrease in your stress levels.

8. How to De-Stress Quickly Using Your Senses 

Using your five senses is one of the underestimated strategies for reliving stress quickly. 

So, no matter where you are, you can find peace and understanding by interacting with the world around you.

Do Some Humming

Vocal toning, singing, and humming are other powerful tools to reduce stress effectively. Studies have shown that singing can make you feel better and less stressed. In fact, chorus members often say that they feel calmer and happy after practice.

To try this, sit and gently close your lips while keeping your teeth slightly apart. Start humming a soft “mmmm” sound and change the pitch and volume until you feel your face vibrate. It is a great way to relieve stress right away.

Sniff Some Aroma 

Aromas are always relaxing and can be a simple way to unwind stress wherever you are. Research suggests that taking a whiff of essential oils can help you relax and may even lower your cortisol levels, the stress hormone. 

To use this method for stress relief, choose aromas that you like. For example, if lavender is your favourite aroma and reminds you of some calm day, go for it. Then, apply a few drops on a cotton pad and take a few deep breaths. You can also choose to place an aroma diffuser for a constant flow of calling fresh air. 

Try Fidget Toys 

Fidget toys are a fantastic option for engaging your sense of touch. These toys offer sensory stimulation for touch, sight, and sometimes sound. With a variety to choose from, you can squeeze a stress ball, spin a fidget spinner, or roll a sensory band.

These toys are an easy way to relax and relieve stress. Keep one at your desk or in your bag for a quick break to help you calm down all day.

Listen to Music 

You can also use your sense of hearing to ease stress by listening to your favorite music. It has been found tha listening to music can decrease blood pressure and heart rate, ultimately reducing stress levels in the body. 

Another Stanford University research suggests that music can have the same calming effect on the body as meditation. So, choose the music that resonates with you, close your eyes, and enjoy it for a while. 

Visualize a Peaceful Scene

Visualizing a peaceful scene can also make you feel less stressed and add to our list of stress-relief activities. Even research shows its effectiveness reduces the body’s flight or fight response. 

So try imagining a calm place, either your favourite picture or a memory, or a place that makes you feel energetic, and rejuvenating can work.

9. Get Some Inspiration 

If nothing seems to be working to reduce stress, look around you for inspiration, like the things you see daily or the memories that make you feel good. For example, think about what you did as a child to keep you calm. Was there anything you liked to do when you were younger, like a blanket or a toy? Then, try holding something similar. 

You can also consider what your parents or elders did to reduce the stress. They might have taken a long walk or done something quiet to relax. If unsure, you can ask them and then follow something similar. 

Lastly, visualization can work here, too. Try remembering your recent achievement when you were happy. These inspirations can give you a mental toolkit to help you deal with stress whenever needed.

10. Take a Nap!  

Yes, taking a nap can be an equally effective way to de-stress quickly. It has also been found that taking a nap in a stressful situation can help ease physical stress. 

So it is best to take short naps, like 15–20 minutes. These are just sufficient to lift you up without making you sleepy.For additional calm, try using a white noise machine or a humidifier with a diffuser.

Summing it Up

So, we have completed your search for methods for how to relieve stress and depression. Simple yet effective methods like stepping outside for fresh air, taking a quick 15-minute nap, enjoying a piece of chocolate, or doing breathing exercises can make a big difference in moments of overwhelm. 

We suggest you try atleast 2-3 ways to deal with stress daily and see how they help you stay calm amid all the chaos. And if you liked reading this, let us know what you think! We would highly appreciate it if you leave your helpful comments below. Also, don’t forget to read this article on How to Manifest What You Want. Discover the keys to making your dreams come true!

FAQs

Why can’t I handle stress?

There can be many reasons why you can’t handle stress. But the most common these days are feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities or a lack of coping strategies. Figuring out what stresses you out and learning how to deal with it can really help you feel more in charge.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for anxiety?

The 3-3-3 rule is a grounding technique to manage anxiety. It implies that you should look for 3 things you can see, touch 3 things, and hear 3 things. This exercise is useful for bringing your attention to the present and making you feel less stressed.  

How do I get rid of stress asap?

To de-stress quickly, one can try doing deep breathing exercises, going for a short walk outside, eating a piece of dark chocolate, or trying to keep a fidget toy. Additionally, taking a moment to step away from the situation and recalibrate your thoughts can help.

How to handle extreme stress?

First of all, figure out what stresses you out, then, if you can, get away and give yourself some time to think and reflect. You can also try the 3-3-3 rule of anxiety or humming. Remember that taking small steps to deal with stress can help you make big changes.

How can I relax in 60 seconds?

Deep breathing can help you calm down in just 80 seconds. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it for four counts, and then slowly let it out through your mouth for six. Using this easy method can quickly calm you down and help you think more clearly.

References 

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