10 Stress Relief Activities

6 min readJul 5, 2022

Stress is a part of life. Letting it build up over time isn’t good. It can make you physically sick. There are times when I feel stressed out. Over the past few years, my stress levels have been up and down. At times, I’ve found myself stressed a bit. In the past, I would let it build up and become a wreck. Now I actively find ways to alleviate stress. Today, I will share with you ten stress activities. They are things that most people can do. Let’s start with the first one.

Stress Relief Activities

Gym

The first thing on the stress release activities list is to go to the gym. Exercise helps to lower your cortisol levels which are stress hormones. I’ve been to several gyms over the years. At one point, I worked out at a neighborhood gym. It was cool, but I knew I needed to do more, so I went with Planet Fitness. Their membership costs $10 a month, which isn’t bad at all. They have much better hours, and it’s a bigger gym. They have a lot more weights and machines than my previous one. If you are serious about working out, I suggest finding a gym like Planet Fitness or LA Fitness. You will notice the difference.

Meditate

Meditating is something that I started about 3–4 years ago. I hope you decide to do the same. Meditation has helped me relax and let go of things over the years. At times stress and minor anxiety used to have my mind on overdrive. It seemed like I couldn’t shut it off and calm down. Meditation has helped. I try to meditate at least five times per week. I meditate using a few videos on YouTube. The relaxation techniques that you learn are priceless. Taking deep breaths and practicing mindfulness are just a few stress management techniques you will learn. Some people like to meditate during the morning, while others like to do it in the evening. Figure out what time works for you and try it. After you meditate, I bet you’ll feel better. Try using the video below.

Run/Walk

You can run or walk if going to the gym isn’t your thing. This is one of my favorite stress relief activities. I usually run a couple of miles in my neighborhood or go to one of the several parks or places that has, such as Piedmont Park, The Beltline, or Grant Park. Almost any time of the year, you will see other people running or walking. I’m sure the city you live in has a park or path you can run or walk at. Once you find it, get out there and start decreasing stress.

Yoga

After a stressful day, yoga can help you relax your mind. It’s something that I need to do more of. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. Studies have shown that yoga provides several benefits. It is said to make you happier. It helps you focus. It releases tension in your limbs, and it helps your body relax. Those were just four things that yoga can do. There are tons more. Sometimes you can find a free class. If you can, I’d suggest you check it out.

Listen to music

The next thing on this list of stress relief activities is listening to music. For me, it has to be a particular type of music. If I play some Jeezy or Young Dolph, it might excite me a little too much. That’s not what I’m trying to do. I’m looking for relaxation and trying to get rid of negative thoughts, so in most cases, hip hop can’t do it. If I’m listening to music to relax and de-stress, it’s probably going to be some R&B or Soft Rock from the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s. I can’t go wrong with Motown. Some other artists I listen to for relaxation are Hall & Oates, Chaka Khan, and Sade.

Essential Oils

If you are feeling stressed, you can inhale some essential oils. There are a lot of different types of oils out there. Two good ones are Frankincense and Lavender Oil. I dab a little bit in the room that I’m from time to time, and they help me to relax. Many people use oil diffusers to bring aromatherapy benefits to different areas of their homes. Below is a diffuser that you can check out.

Going out with friends

Going out with friends is another one of my favorite stress relief activities. Hanging with your friends has been shown to lower stress. Being around good people and having a fun time relaxes you. Spending time with your friends can help you forget about the stresses of the world. They provide laughter and a small escape from stressful situations.

Massage

Massages are a great stress reliever. This form of self-care is something that I want to start doing at least once a quarter. Massages minimize your stress and allow your body to relax. They can also help with anxiety and make you sleep better.

Reading

Reading is the next thing that’s on the list. For the past few years, I’ve read numerous books on various topics. Books can help people to get refocused and motivated. They can also help to keep your mind fresh. I feel like I’m kind of old school because I like reading physical books much more than reading books on tablets. Below are a few of my favorite books.

Pedicure & Manicure

Many people get pedicures and manicures. Not only do they make your feet and hands look better, but they can also reduce stress. Pedicures and manicures are also said to keep your skin healthy and increase blood circulation. If your hands or feet seem tense, it may signify that you need a pedicure or a manicure.

Unplug

The final thing on the stress relief activities list is to unplug from time to time. Turn off the television, close the laptop, and turn off the phone occasionally. Humans weren’t meant to consume information 24/7. All that does is boost your adrenaline and have you feeling overwhelmed. Research suggests that unplugging from time to time helps to reduce tension.

Everyone needs to take time to practice some stress-relief activities. Our bodies will thank us for it. I know we all get caught up in the day-to-day lifestyle, but it’s not always the healthiest. If you suffer from chronic stress, headaches, tension, or feel overwhelmed, you should try doing a few of these activities. I know I’ll be doing a couple of them sooner than later. I want to ensure that I am always my best self. Taking time to learn how to de-stress actively is one way that I can do that.

Bonus

CBD is a compound that is found in cannabis plants. CBD has been known to help people relax and calm down in stressful situations. You can learn more about CBD by clicking the links below.