Stress at the workplace is pretty common. A study revealed that three in five employees experience work-related stress. Around 26 percent felt waning interest and motivation due to stress. Another 19 percent said that stress led them to put in less effort at work.
It’s been a long week, and you deserve a break. Relaxation is vital for your mental and physical health, so take some time for yourself this weekend. Here are 5 ways to de-stress and rejuvenate:
Get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
When it comes to reducing stress, spending time in nature is one of the most effective methods. Being surrounded by plants and trees can help lower blood pressure and heart rate and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, getting outdoors for a brisk walk or jog can help to clear the mind and improve mood. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed this weekend, take a break in nature to de-stress and refresh.
You can also spend the weekend at the beach. Studies have shown that walking along the beach can enhance your mental health. The blue space of the ocean or lake is associated with better mental health. You can also look for a reliable boat rental service. Going on a short boat trip with friends or family can help you relax and enjoy your time.
Get moving.
Exercise is among the best ways to de-stress. Not only does it help relieve tension in the body, but it can also help improve moods. When people exercise, their bodies release endorphins, hormones that have mood-boosting effects.
Exercise also helps you focus on something other than your stressors, and it can be a great way to connect with friends or loved ones. So if you’re feeling stressed this weekend, try going for a walk or a run, hitting the gym, or taking a dance class.
You can start by sitting less and moving more. You should aim to have around 150 minutes of physical activity every week. Even though this may sound like a lot, it can be easily broken down into manageable chunks of time. These activities can be a 20-minute or 30-minute daily exercise.
Unplug from technology.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in technological devices and lose track of time. This weekend, challenge yourself to unplug from technology and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. Unplugging from technology allows you to recover from stress at the workplace. It also allows you to focus on other things outside work and spend more time with your family.
When you rest from your devices, you will also experience better sleep. Blue light from screens can disrupt your natural sleep cycles and make it difficult to fall asleep at night. If you struggle to sleep at night, try disconnecting from technology a few hours before bedtime.
Additionally, taking a break from technology can help improve your mental well-being. Constantly checking social media and email can lead to feelings of anxiety and loneliness. If you give yourself some time away from these devices, you will likely feel more relaxed and content.
Make time for yourself.
It’s so important to make time for yourself, especially during times when you’re feeling stressed. Taking a little time for yourself can help you de-stress and relax, making it easier to deal with whatever is causing you stress.
One way to make time for yourself is to schedule some “me time” into your week. Set aside an hour or two each week that you can use to do something that you enjoy, such as reading, taking a nature walk, or listening to music. If you can’t fit “me time” into your schedule, try to find small moments throughout the day to do something that makes you happy. For example, you could take a few minutes to stretch or meditate when you wake up in the morning or listen to your favorite song while you cook dinner.
Another way to make time for yourself is to say “no” to commitments you don’t have time for or don’t interest you. It’s okay to say no to things, even if you feel like you should say yes. Prioritizing your needs and wants is essential to taking care of yourself.
In addition to making time for yourself, it’s also essential to take care of your physical health. Eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help you reduce stress and feel your best.
Finally, don’t forget to give yourself some grace. People all have bad days, and that’s okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re feeling stressed. Cut yourself some slack, and remember that everyone has off days.
Connect with loved ones.
One of the best ways to de-stress this weekend is to connect with loved ones. Spending time with family and friends can help take the edge off a long week and provide a sense of calm and peace. Whether you stay in and cook together, go for a walk or enjoy a night out, spending time with those you care about is a great way to relax and rejuvenate.
This weekend, take some time and try one of these stress-relief activities. Your mind and body will thank you!
