Let Go

Get mad, cry, yell or do something that you think might allow you to just let go of your emotions. Sometimes I think this stress-relieving tactic is the hardest is the hardest to accomplish.

I know I feel like things are easier for me when I don't get too wrapped up or too emotionally attached to things. I prefer not to dwell on difficult situations or misfortunes and address them in the quickest or simplest way possible. People take note of grand displays of emotion, and I’d rather not consume that much spotlight. However, I bet my tendencies foster stress to build up at times, even after I feel the issue has been addressed. The result of this stress build-up is usually a bad-mood-for-no-real-reason kind of attitude. Then, that provokes a good shower cry that lets you come out feeling a fresh and relaxed.

I highly suggest you let yourself have a good shower cry next time you feel stressed enough to do so. Just do it when your alone and nothing will distract your from really letting go. If you’re not in a crying mood, maybe try yelling as loud as you can. Also, I’ve read several times that swearing serves as a stress reliever. Don’t offend anyone, though. Just say out loud (or shout) what you’re feeling.

You know when you’re frustrated that you walk around all day feeling like you want to clench your fists and yell. So just do it!

Take Time to Recharge

I'm going to suggest what might seem entirely unimaginable to a lot of people: go sans technology for a day. Turn your phone off, shut down your computer and unplug any other gadgets you use.

This idea came to me when I was without cell phone for some time after its unfortunate submersion in liquid. Of course, I panicked at first (NO TEXTING??). Then, I got used to it but still found myself complaining. Eventually, I realized how liberating it was to not have my phone in hand at all times. It's a bigger distraction than most probably realize, and I in a way I feel like it creates more responsibility for me. Phones, especially smart phones, pretty much cause their users to multitask at all times. This could be unknowingly stressful.

Don't ignore all technology in your life at the expense of a job or schoolwork. Pick a day when doing so just means not thinking about the petty, but constant, responsibilities that come with it. Relax with 24 hours to yourself. There's no need to be reachable 24/7 and actually communicating with other people for much of that time, and see if you can ignore the unnecessary distractions that come with the capabilities of technology. How often do you sit to watch TV or check your e-mail only out of habit then get consumed for a good chunk of time? Let yourself think without interruption.

Talk to people just for fun about things other than work or whatever is on your mind that’s causing stress. Take this time to do something you and friends always want to but are too exhausted or distracted to get done. Or do something on your own. Even if it’s just going for a walk, I guarantee this is an opportunity to clear you mind. So unplug everything and embrace it!

Back from Break!

I'm finally back from spring break and ready to continue thinking up some ways I wish I was relaxing. I'm going to expand upon my previous post about treating yourself to something special with reasons why you should pamper yourself, too. I'm also going to dwell on massages and manicures and such because I these are things I'm starting to wish I indulged in over break.

I've gotten a few massages before, all of which I went into hesitantly. It just seems weird and unnecessary as I'm waiting to get called into a small back room with dim lights and soothing music. But if you were to ask about my uncertainty afterward, I probably wouldn't even be able to recall why I ever felt uncomfortable in the first place. The feeling you're left with is one of unmatched physical relaxation in what feels like every muscle in your body.

In addition to this feeling of bliss, massages offer physical and therapeutic benefits. According to one website, soft-tissue manipulation techniques applied during a massage improves circulation and is intended to reduce stress and fatigue. Benefits like these still occur whether you partake for therapy or leisure reasons. Many types of massages exist and address different issues. For example, deep-tissue massages can improve muscle damage through more forceful strokes. Other techniques are intended to prevent injury or energize you, and others are geared toward athletes, pregnant women or specific ages. In any case, the receiver of the massage is likely to feel less stiff and more physically and mentally relaxed.

A Newsweek article mentions some specific benefits of massage therapy and its credibility found in Chinese history. The article notes that immunity may be improved and blood pressure regulated through this method of relaxation. That’s quite a plus for those in need of such medical needs.

After you treat yourself to the overwhelming relaxation of a massage, think about further spoiling yourself at a salon or spa type of place. Some guys may lose interest here. Consider letting yourself get your nails done, a high end hair cut or just spending little more on taking care of your appearance, so you can really enjoy it instead of feeling like you’re taking care of chores. This isn’t some I do regularly at all, but when I do have to really get myself together for something formal, it always feels good. I imagine getting pampered for no reason every now and then would be even more of a pick-me-up. Choose a day one weekend when you can go get all this kind of stuff done, and do it! Or be really bold and take a day off if you can… I think the resulting relaxation would be worth it if you’re really feeling stressed.