When it’s one of those days and wine isn’t readily available (or it’s not 5 o’clock yet), you have to make do with what you have right then and there to get yourself to chill out. Thankfully, there are several methods to relax in the moment that can be practiced anywhere and anytime. See how to de-stress instantly below!
1. Phone a friend.
Oftentimes a healthy venting session is a great way to just let it all out. If you’re at work and unable to hop on a call, ask a coworker who’s willing to lend an ear for a few minutes (in a private setting, of course!). You’ll feel significantly better releasing your frustrations rather than bottling them up.
2. Practice mindfulness.
Derik Mills, founder and CEO of yoga and meditation app YogaGlo, de-stresses by training to live more in the present and strengthening his self-awareness. “Whenever I’m looking to quickly improve my mood, one of the things I like to practice is to close my eyes, slow down my breath, and direct my focus to something calming for me,” he told us. “I like to surf, so sometimes I think of the ocean and practice letting thoughts simply flow past me, not attaching or dwelling on any one particular thought.”
3. Put on headphones.
Listening to music has the power to help release stress. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, listen to soothing melodies and sounds that work for you. If you find blaring hip-hop or rock to be therapeutic, crank it up. Sounds of rain and waves may be effective for some, but if you find it to be even more irritating, explore other musical options.
4. Try aromatherapy.
Tap into your other senses and consider using aromatherapy to relax. “Scent is a simple and powerful way to change your state,” the CEO of natural essential oil line Vitruvi, Sara Panton, told us. “I always keep a calming essential oil in my purse, so whether I’m traveling or in a busy day of meetings, it’s always there to remind me to take a deep breath.”
5. Hop on an app.
Though it might seem counterproductive to use your device for stress management, there are a number of apps to help you slow down like Headspace (guided meditation and mindfulness) and Derik’s YogaGlo (practice yoga anywhere). Apps like Breathe + Relaxation, for example, can also help you recenter at your desk or wherever you are by focusing on deep breathing.
