Stress can attack anyone. And when it hits consistently, it can cause a host of unwanted health issues. The trick is to manage it without adding more overwhelm. How do you usually stress less? See a doctor for medication? Try breathwork? Or, maybe even meditate?
These are all great ideas, but stress is sometimes easier to manage when you step outside of the usual methods. You don’t have to use across-the-board approaches that end up being a hit or miss, or make matters worse. You might find something that actually works for you in this article.
When Traditional Stress Relief Isn’t Enough
Picture this: If your mind has been racing a lot lately, meditation wouldn’t be your best bet to destress. You’ll likely have a hard time quieting your thoughts, making this form of stress relief obsolete.
Or, what if you are unable to perform rigorous activity or are having a hard time staying focused? Exercise might add more physical/mental strain than actual relief.
Traditional advice, like meditation and exercise, might not work for you because your brain processes the stress in ways that derail your efforts. But you can’t just give up on stress relief. There are likely other options that’ll just click with your body.
Unconventional Stress Relief Techniques
Ecotherapy
Ecotherapy uses nature-based activities to reduce anxiety and boost your mood. If this sounds appealing to you, try: gardening, forest bathing, nature walks, tree hugging, or simply spending time outdoors mindfully. Connecting to nature has long been considered a great way to ground oneself.
Sound Healing
Sound healing is all about using vibrations and frequency to help the mind slow down. The idea is simple: certain sounds can gently influence brainwave activity, nudging the body into a calmer state. Common sound healing methods include:
- Tuning forks
- Chimes
- Singing bowls
- Binaural beats
- ASMR
- Gongs
- Drums
- Frequency music
Luckily, these days, you don’t need a studio or even access to instruments to produce these vibrations. There are plenty of videos online that were made specifically for this purpose.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is another stress relief technique that targets the senses, but uses smell. It works by inhaling or absorbing aromas/oils from plants. Here are some natural remedies to check out:
- Bergamot clears mental fog.
- Lavender improves sleep.
- Chamomile reduces irritability.
- Ylang-Ylang lowers heart rate.
- Frankincense boosts mental clarity.
- Sage reduces racing thoughts.
Incorporating any one of these into your stress-relieving routine might be the difference you were looking for.
Kick the Nic Smoke
For those who use nicotine as a relaxation tool, nic pouches provide a discreet alternative to smoke or vapor. Some people find this more helpful and beneficial, especially in social and work settings.
Rage Rooms
If mismanaged, anxiety and stress can often present themselves as frustration and anger. Rage rooms offer a safe outlet to let out all that stress. You get to smash destructible objects, like old plates or electronics, turning destructive energy into stress relief. Patrons note that it’s actually pretty fun and relieves tension effectively.
Journaling and Coloring
Turning your thoughts and feelings into art can really help sort yourself out. Try adding some coloring or drawing pages to your journal, or look for journals with guided prompts to help you process emotions creatively. When stress relief is easier to commit to, it’s also easier to handle.
Mindful Movement
If working out isn’t your thing, you could try mindful movement like Qigong, yoga, and Tai Chi. This could turn out to be an enjoyable way to break up stress and tension in the mind and body.
When to Seek Professional Help
Before diving into any stress-reduction method, consult with a professional mental health expert. You might need to go in if you are experiencing:
- Persistent dread or overwhelm
- Irregular heart/chest palpitations
- You have trouble sleeping
- It’s difficult to stay focused
- You can’t find the wherewithal to complete daily tasks
- You experience prolonged changes in appetite
- You’d rather withdraw from social activities
- You have feelings of hopelessness
If you catch any of these warning signs, seek out a trusted organization for assistance right away.
Find Your New Path to Calm
Venturing off the beaten path might not be advisable for everything, but stress relief isn’t exactly one-size-fits-all. Unlock new doors to calm, peace, and balance with unconventional methods to destress that focus more on nature, movement, and other holistic health practices.