“I’m so stressed out!”  How many times do you catch yourself saying it–or even thinking it?  We do live in a fast-paced, high-stress world. 

Stress can be caused by a demanding job, financial struggles, overwork, new responsibilities, and much more. 

Did you know that the largest side effect of stress is loss of sleep?  Read more here.

Go here to learn why high stress levels are dangerous. 

Instead of being a victim of stress, take time every day to de-stress.  Here are seven ways you can do so:

1. Read

Reading can take you to a different time period, state, country, or even continent for a fraction of the price of an airline ticket.  It helps you take your mind off stressful events and people. 

Reading is an excellent way to relax and de-stress.

Reading several books a week this year has made a difference in my stress levels.

Go here to read more benefits of reading. 

2.  Pray

Many times you stress because you think that you need to be in control in a situation, or that it all depends on you.  When you pray, you give your burdens to God and let Him take care of them.

3.  Take a walk

Getting away from your job or business for a few minutes and taking a walk during lunch or after work can make a huge difference.  A change in environment, fresh air, and exercise all contribute to decreased stress levels. 

4.  Take a bath

Yes, I know you are busy.  We all are.  Schedule a bath once or twice a week to make time to slow down and relax. 

To help you calm down even further, add a drop or two of lavender oil to your bath water.  Learn more about the benefits of lavender here.

5.  Spend time in nature

All day you hear other people’s voices, the radio, the TV, your neighbor’s loud and aggravating music.  Therefore, time in nature is a welcome change from all of those things.  Take a book or a picnic lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet. 

6.  Take a break from your phone and computer.

Today there is an app for everything – weather, texting, each social media platform, email, music.  Furthermore, each app wants you to turn on notifications. 

Would you believe me if I told you that as a business owner, I have no social media apps and have turned off email notifications on my phone?

While phones and computers help you in many ways in your life, it’s important not to over-use them.  Turn them off after dinner or on the weekends, or whatever works for you. 

7.  Listen to or play calming music. 

Calming music is a great way to relax.  I enjoyed playing in bands and orchestras for years.  A few months ago I picked up my instrument and played for several minutes.  It was definitely relaxing! 

The Bible speaks of the therapeutic effects of music. 

I Samuel 16:16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

How stressful is your life?  What healthy ways have you discovered to destress?

If you found value in this article, please use the buttons below to share it on social media.