We all have those moments where the world can feel like it’s too much. When these moments strike, it becomes even more important to learn how to calm your mind and relax.
Today, I’ll take you through 5 simple steps in achieving just this.
I’ve touched on this previously in a previous post on how to breathe properly to clear your mind, so if you’ve read that before, then I may be repeating some of the steps – but it’s good advice, so bear with me!
Take deep breaths
As mentioned in how to breathe properly, taking deep breaths is a wonderful, easy, and free way to just relax. This should usually be your first option because it’s the one that can be easily done anywhere.
Many smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch, FitBit, & Samsung, have functions built-in to allow this once stress is detected. Can’t afford one of these? Just use your fingers – that works too!
Listen to soothing music
Soothing music is a fantastic way to calm your mind as well. If you are able to, pop on a pair of headphones, turn it to a volume you’re comfortable with (without damaging your eardrums!), and find some relaxing, soothing music. This can take on any form, but I personally love just finding relaxing playlists on Spotify.
Why not try out Relaxing Massage, which has been curated by Spotify? Or just create a playlist of your own!
Write your feelings down
This is something I do quite often. If I find myself feeling stressed about something, I take out a pen and a notebook, which I keep just for this, and write out exactly how I’m feeling; I write out exactly how I’m feeling in that moment. Everything – what is bothering me, who is bothering me. I don’t necessarily write solutions – this is just for me to vent about.
I then turn the page and then never look at what I’ve written. What I’ve constantly found is that as soon as I’ve written out how I’m feeling, whatever was stressing me out at that moment lessens.
Keep a mood journal
I’ve started doing this over the last few months; keeping track of my moods so I can see if things have improved or grown worse over time.
There are many apps you can use for this, but the one I personally use is called Daylio (Download from Google Play Store | Download from Apple App Store).
Each day the app reminds me to take time out to select my current mood from a selection, complete my activities, and even input a description of what I did today. This can work quite well alongside writing your feelings down.
Do some exercise
Exercise, how I love thee. What’s always helped me calm my mind is getting out and exercising.
Now, I don’t mean suddenly pumping iron or running 10km; it can be something as simple as going out for a walk, doing a few quick stretches, or even just walking outside and getting some fresh air.
And there you go – 5 simple steps to calm your mind and relax. Want more? Why not check out 6 Awesome Low-Budget Tips That Will Help Your Mental Health.