My Opera38 Suggestion For Anxiety
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 8:20:20 PM
38 Tips For Finding Ways to Relax
By Támara Hill, MS
Private Garden at SunsetThis past week I met with a few of my colleagues and family and we ended up discussing the various ways we could de-stress during the week and weekend. I thought many of the suggestions shared were great and wanted to share them with you!
If you are a parent, family member, or caregiver of someone with a severe or untreated mental health concern, taking care of yourself is even more important. Caring for a loved one can deplete you of all your motivation.
Below you will find a listing of great things to do to relax:
Read (reading a book in bed is nice at times)
Sleep in
Write (journaling, blogging, etc.)
Pray (prayer is simply talking to God about the things that bother you and asking Him to intervene. Prayer does not have to be a formal activity. Be yourself and relax).
Go for a walk with loved ones
Photography (“buy a nice camera and take pictures of nature, family, and friends”)
Exercise (swim, yoga, walking, jogging, Zumba, aerobics, hiking, gym nastics)
Meditate
Engage in introspection (sit quietly and rest your mind and soul)
Go for a drive
Stroll through the mall
Buy yourself something nice (doesn’t have to be expensive!)
Listen to podcasts online
Listen to music (upbeat music can have a positive effect on mood, while slower-paced music can encourage feelings of depression. There are times, however, when lower paced music can give you a sense of peace and calm).
Try Pilates
Find a dance class (some classes are offered for free at local Community Colleges, agencies, or gyms)
Sit next to a stream, pond, or river
Go to a pet shop
Play with your dog(s) or cat
Look at a magazine with attractive pictures (looking at photos can give you a sense of joy)
Look at family photos or watch family videos that make you smile
Seek personal therapy (check into your EAP-Employee Assistance Program at work)
Seek pastoral counseling or support
Call a prayer line or submit a prayer request online
Play with your children or other kids
Become a mentor for needy youth (offering your time gets your mind off of your own needs and helps someone at the same time!)
Travel (traveling can entail going somewhere other than your usual spots. Traveling gives you a whole new perspective on life)
Try aromatherapy (purchase some sweet smelling scents and spray around your home, on yourself, or in your bedroom)
Engage in an online group discussion (be cautious and safe)
Watch cartoons! (as silly as this may sound, cartoons are uplifting and can put you in another mindset temporarily)
Get a manicure, pedicure, or massage
Go camping or build a campfire (if done safely, you can enjoy this right in your own backyard)
Go on a picnic with someone you love or go alone
Spend time with someone you love or think about them
Go to the movies
Stay in your pajamas or lounge clothes all day
Sing
I welcome your suggestions and additions to this list! What are some things you do to de-stress?
By Támara Hill, MS
Private Garden at SunsetThis past week I met with a few of my colleagues and family and we ended up discussing the various ways we could de-stress during the week and weekend. I thought many of the suggestions shared were great and wanted to share them with you!
If you are a parent, family member, or caregiver of someone with a severe or untreated mental health concern, taking care of yourself is even more important. Caring for a loved one can deplete you of all your motivation.
Below you will find a listing of great things to do to relax:
Read (reading a book in bed is nice at times)
Sleep in
Write (journaling, blogging, etc.)
Pray (prayer is simply talking to God about the things that bother you and asking Him to intervene. Prayer does not have to be a formal activity. Be yourself and relax).
Go for a walk with loved ones
Photography (“buy a nice camera and take pictures of nature, family, and friends”)
Exercise (swim, yoga, walking, jogging, Zumba, aerobics, hiking, gym nastics)
Meditate
Engage in introspection (sit quietly and rest your mind and soul)
Go for a drive
Stroll through the mall
Buy yourself something nice (doesn’t have to be expensive!)
Listen to podcasts online
Listen to music (upbeat music can have a positive effect on mood, while slower-paced music can encourage feelings of depression. There are times, however, when lower paced music can give you a sense of peace and calm).
Try Pilates
Find a dance class (some classes are offered for free at local Community Colleges, agencies, or gyms)
Sit next to a stream, pond, or river
Go to a pet shop
Play with your dog(s) or cat
Look at a magazine with attractive pictures (looking at photos can give you a sense of joy)
Look at family photos or watch family videos that make you smile
Seek personal therapy (check into your EAP-Employee Assistance Program at work)
Seek pastoral counseling or support
Call a prayer line or submit a prayer request online
Play with your children or other kids
Become a mentor for needy youth (offering your time gets your mind off of your own needs and helps someone at the same time!)
Travel (traveling can entail going somewhere other than your usual spots. Traveling gives you a whole new perspective on life)
Try aromatherapy (purchase some sweet smelling scents and spray around your home, on yourself, or in your bedroom)
Engage in an online group discussion (be cautious and safe)
Watch cartoons! (as silly as this may sound, cartoons are uplifting and can put you in another mindset temporarily)
Get a manicure, pedicure, or massage
Go camping or build a campfire (if done safely, you can enjoy this right in your own backyard)
Go on a picnic with someone you love or go alone
Spend time with someone you love or think about them
Go to the movies
Stay in your pajamas or lounge clothes all day
Sing
I welcome your suggestions and additions to this list! What are some things you do to de-stress?
- Suggestions
