Time to Unwind

Currently in 2018, mental health is a topic that is openly discussed and prioritized more than ever before. With events like the tragic deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, as well as factors like the presence of social media in the lives of young people, cases of stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. Some insinuate that reducing stress levels calls for taking medication or going to therapy, but there are actually five simple ways to easily unwind and destress.

1. Exercise  As ironic as it may sound, putting physical stress on your body by exercising can alleviate mental stress. According to a study conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), researchers found those who exercised regularly to be 25 percent less likely of developing anxiety or depression over the next five years. It is recommended for adults to dedicate at least two and a half hours to moderate-intensity physical activity such as walking and at least one and a half hours of high-intensity physical activity such as swimming or biking per week.

2. Meditation   Yes, we all know that meditation helps alleviate mental stress, but meditation is not limited to just Buddhist-inspired positions on a yoga mat. Meditation is simply the act of refocusing the mind for a period of time with the purpose of boosting one’s morale and spiritual awareness. In fact, there are actually several different ways to meditate. For example, taking a walk, listening to music, drawing, and even writing in a journal are all effective ways of meditating and clearing the mind.

3. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake  While some studies prove that coffee can provide long-term health benefits when consumed in moderation, it is worth acknowledging that different people have their own thresholds for how much caffeine their bodies can tolerate. High doses of caffeine can actually stimulate anxiety, so it is recommended for people who feel jittery or anxious to cut back on their consumption of caffeinated products.

4. Spending Time With Friends and Family  Nothing is more important than friends and family, and spending quality time with loved ones helps one get through stressful times and lower their risk of anxiety and depression. Just like petting or cuddling with a pet, spending time with friends and family also helps release oxytocin. Laughing with friends and family actually helps relax your muscles and brings more oxygen into your body, and it can even improve your immune system and mood cycle.

5. Pets   Your pets have more to them than just a cute face. Having a pet has been proven to help reduce stress and heighten one’s morale and state of mind. Researchers affiliated with the University of British Columbia have found that college students who went to dog therapy sessions experienced an increase in mental wellness and a decrease in mental stress. Petting and cuddling with your furry friend helps release oxytocin, a body chemical that naturally relieves stress and anxiety and elevates one’s sense of happiness and positivity.