Stress can seem like it is always around. To help create your own stress-free escape, we’ve compiled a quick list of 5 things you can do to help create a peaceful environment for you and your family.
1. Utilize Your At-Home Time For Healthy Eating And Rest
Maybe you can treat yourself to a sugary coffee drink in the morning, and snack on junk food throughout the day while you’re out–but you can come home to a space full of healthy choices. Nutritious foods and plenty of restful sleep have been proven to reduce stress and feelings of anxiety. By keeping healthy food options available, and setting the time and space to get your sleep, you can make your home a space to care for your physical body. If you have a nicotine or tobacco habit, and you notice it exacerbates your anxieties or physical aches, consider cutting those habits from your home as well.
2. Create An At-Home Work-Out Zone
While a home gym and an extensive workout routine are not a necessity for everyone, it is also possible for you to use your space in ways that are proactive for your physical well-being. Consider making some room in your living area or sleep space to follow along with workout videos. Studies have shown that doing aerobic exercise just twice a week can significantly reduce your stress. Or, consider getting an inexpensive yoga mat to support your practice of Yoga or Tai Chi. Remember, any exercise, even if the movements are low-impact, can help release endorphins, the “feel-good” stress-curbing chemical your body naturally produces.
3. Set Time For Going Phone- And Social Media-Free
While technology is a part of our work life and day-to-day life, it can be healthy to set boundaries. Our smartphones, computers, and social media can be great sources of additional stress. It’s alright to disconnect, take a break, and acknowledge when you’ve had enough. Minimizing your screen time is shown to improve sleep and reduce stress in both adults and children. In this way, you can prevent being exposed to unnecessary drama or reading upsetting news.
4. Make Your Home A Self-Care Sanctuary
Your home is an important space, and it’s important that you enjoy it and make use of your sanctuary. If you’re looking for ways to make your home even cozier, look no further than our suggestions. Consider candles or essential oils and a diffuser with very soothing aromas. Potential scents include lavender, chamomile, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, orange, neroli, bergamot, vetiver, or frankincense. While incorporating aromatherapy is an option, you can also utilize your space in other ways. Read a book, take a bath, or go on a walk outside. You may as well enjoy yourself.
5. Spend Time With Your Family Members And Pets
You may not know this, but there can be mental health benefits to making more time for your loved ones. Positive physical contact such as hugging or cuddling with your partner, beloved family members, and even your pets can release oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone your body produces that reduces blood pressure and cortisol levels when released. You should also consider spending quality time with your friends and family, as you might find yourself laughing. Laughter is also shown to reduce the physical stress response in your body. Staying connected with others is important, as humans are social creatures, and even as we experience stress, we benefit greatly from the support of others. If you have been thinking about giving a home to a cat or a dog, you might like to know that many pet owners find that taking care of a pet gives them purpose and a feeling of reduced loneliness and anxiety.
If you are struggling to find a place where you can relax and escape stress and anxiety, it may be time to find help. Insyte Psychiatric provides mental health services to families and individuals throughout New Jersey. Contact us to find out more about how we can help you take control of your mental health and wellness.
