Stress is a big part of our lives at times, and although sometimes it can motivate us to get things done, it can also contribute to negativity. It can take a lot of practice to find the best stress-relief activities that work for you specifically but when you do find it, it can help you more than you ever imagined. So, here are some ideas as to how you can try to deal with your stress.
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery involves simply closing your eyes and imagining yourself in a peaceful place, your “happy place”. You can picture yourself sitting on the beach, listening to the sound of the waves. Or, you can imagine yourself comfortable in your bed with the feeling of your soft comforter beneath you. Try to think about all the sensory experiences associated with each image you picture in your mind!
Clean
Since clutter, disorganization, and messiness can be a source of your stress, this is a great way to release some of it through healthy means.
Focus
Focus on breathing in and out. Feel the rising of your chest as you inhale and the falling of your chest as you exhale. You can also try the 54321-grounding exercise! This practice involves naming five things you see around you, four things you feel, three things you hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. Since taste can sometimes be hard to identify depending on where you are, you can substitute it by thinking about your favourite thing to taste. The great thing about both breathing and the 54321-grounding exercise is that no one will know you are doing either of these. So, whether you’re alone in your room or at school, these could be the key to calming yourself down.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of certain scents to promote well-being, and it helps both your physical and mental health. You can use essential oils, body products or candles to enjoy aromatherapy!
Watch a Movie
Try watching a funny movie or a TV show since laughter can make you forget about your stress altogether!
Tapping
This is a technique in which you use your fingers to tap on acupressure points on your body to relieve stress. You can do this by first using your index and middle fingers to gently tap the outer part of your pinky on your other hand while stating a simple sentence that affirms you out loud. Then go on to gently tap other acupressure points, such as the top of your head, your eyebrow, your chin, your collarbone, under your armpit, the side of your eye, the bone under your eye, and the space underneath your nose.
