10 Five-Minute Stress Busters

Everyone gets stressed out from time to time, sometimes more often then we care to admit. There is good news! There are many little things that will help lower your stress levels. Here are ten great ideas you can try in under five minutes!

Grin and Bear It

Smiling, even when you don’t feel like it, can lift your mood instantly. Try this; instead of frowning or tensing up your forehead in reaction to a stress-or, smile and think of some where you’d like to be (say a beach or villa in Italy).

Call a Friend

Sometimes all you need is a chance to talk it out. Enlist the help of a good friend or a family member when you need to de-stress. Often, just talking and getting it off your chest will help you feel calmer and keep things in perspective. A five-minute phone call can also help strengthen your bond, building stronger relationships with your loved ones.

Sweet Smells

Certain smells can aid in calming, energizing and rejuvenating the body and that’s really what aromatherapy is trying to achieve. Lavender can be soothing and peppermint can improve your focus. Keep some of your favorite scents around in the form of candles, herbs, flowers or essential oils and take a few sniffs when you’re stressed.

Music and Sounds

Relaxing music and sounds can help take stress from your mind after a hard day. Try listening to music or nature sounds (my favorite is the thunder storm). You can find recordings that will help you get to sleep easier, meditate and focus better. Many stores sell relaxation CD’s, which may contain music or meditation instructions.

Take a walk

Want a break from your stuffy office? Does your house feel like a crazy house? Get outside and let your feet take you places. Not only will walking give you a chance to clear your head and take a break from that hectic situation, but it’s great aerobic exercise.

Watch a Silly Pet Video

I know it sounds a bit juvenile but it does work! Go online and look for silly pet videos. This will lighten your mood and put a smile on your face (see tip #1).

Go Clean Your Closet

Trust me on this. If you are stressing out and maybe going a bit cuckoo; try cleaning your closet or organizing something in your home. The task will give you a distraction from the stress-or and in the end, you’ll have accomplished something and given a small part of your life a fresh start.

Write in Your Journal

If you don’t have one, go get one! They are inexpensive and a big stress reliever. Psychologists say that writing down your thoughts helps relieve your whole body of tension and helps you relax. It’s a great way to get stuff off your chest!

Give or Get Yourself a Pedicure

This one will take more than five minutes but a pedicure will help you melt all your stresses away, even if it’s just for a hour. When someone works on your feet, they release tension at the bottom of your feet which in turn helps release tension throughout your body.

Exercise

Exercise has been proven to release tension and help your body relax when you’re done. If you only have five minutes, even that little bit of exercise can make a difference in your stress level.