According to the Household Pulse survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Census Bureau, more than 50% of adults in their 20s and 30s display different symptoms of anxiety or depression-related disorders. That is why mental health experts have decided to share techniques that can help people calm down and deal with stress.
1. Take a Mental Health Day
Each day is different and some are better than others. When people are tired, overworked, or worried, their mental state can rapidly fluctuate from one end of the spectrum to the other. Hormonal changes are another factor that can raise stress levels and cause anxiety. Taking a mental health day is an effective way for people to rest their bodies and mind and recharge their batteries. Planning something with friends or simply relaxing at home can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Write a Letter
Writing is known to have calming qualities. The sound of a pen or pencil moving on a piece of paper while people are transferring their fears and worries can help with stress and anxiety. Another useful technique is “future writing.” Writing a letter to one’s future self can be cathartic and can put things into perspective. It can serve as a bridge between the past and present and help people look more brightly at what might come down the road.
3. Do Some Handywork
Handywork can help boost one’s mood. Creating something out of nothing is great for mental health as it relieves stress and enables people to feel good about themselves. It also allows them to focus on what’s right in front of them. Painting, knitting, building, gardening, cooking, etc, are excellent activities that anyone can do with their hands.
4. Be Active
Playful activities are known to be an antidote for stress and anxiety. They allow people to feel carefree, which ultimately reminds them of times when their lives were easier and less demanding. Whether it’s flying a kite, tossing a frisbee, playing sports, or picking up a musical instrument, being active is an excellent way to relieve stress, deal with anxiety, and rejuvenate the body.
5. Get a Massage
Massages do a lot more than relieve muscle and joint pain. They can also stimulate different happiness hormones such as endorphin, cortisol, dopamine, oxytocin, etc caused by physical touching. Getting a massage is a superb way to lower stress, fight off anxiety, and give the body a much-deserved TLC.
These five techniques can help people improve their mental health while effectively reducing the stress and anxiety in their lives.