Stress relief tips for home
Animal companions
Think about getting a pet. Stroking a pet has been shown to lower blood pressure, and the companionship and unconditional love that a pet can provide leads to better mental health for their owners.
Plant life
Potter in the garden for a while. If gardening is not your cup of tea, try looking after a potted plant. Watch it to see when it needs water or food. See it change through the seasons. Being interested in other things takes you away from your own worries, and a change of environment is a double bonus!
Home should be a place where we can rest and be calm. These quick stress relief techniques can help you to achieve a sense of inner peace at home.
Try to avoid spending the evening slumped in front of the TV. Maybe you could revive an old hobby, or take up a new one.
Relax! Sit or lie down, close your eyes, and concentrate on your breathing. Stay like this for 5-10 minutes.
Set aside a regular time to relax in your own favourite way. Home is a place for rest and rejuvenation and you should give yourself time for it.
Have a laugh. Whether it's watching a funny movie, or laughing with your family and friends, laughter is a great stress reliever.
Cut yourself some slack! Don't beat yourself up thinking you need a showcase home, and if you burn the dinner, get takeaway!
Make sure you get enough sleep. Try going to bed half an hour earlier and see whether it makes a difference to how you handle your life.
Treat yourself to a long soak in the tub. Envelop the senses with soothing smells, gentle candle light, relaxing music, and lots of bubbles.
Give yourself a massage! Massage your scalp and face with your fingertips. Use small circling motions and a light pressure. Of course, if you can persuade someone else to do it for you, that's even better!
Do you have a favourite stress relief technique for managing stress at home that you'd like to share with other visitors? We'd love to hear it!
