8 Ways to Refresh Revive and Restore

 8 Ways to Refresh Revive and Restore

 8Ways to Refresh Revive and Restore

Stress or feeling overwhelmed can make us gravitate to "quick fix" stress relievers that ultimately leave us feeling worse -- like overeating, binge drinking, spending too much shopping, or making a bad call in a relationship. To rescue yourself from stress in a healthy way, have an arsenal of ready-to-go de-stressors on hand so you can get immediate relief and keep feeling good.

You know what songs speak to your soul. Compile your playlist ahead of time and have it ready to stream on your phone -- or in your car -- so that you can get to a happy place fast. It doesn’t take much time to take the edge off stress: according to the American Psychological Association, even just 10 minutes a day all to yourself can help your body’s stress response slow down.

Learn a simple yoga stretch, and pause to put it into practice when the stress levels are high. The American Academy of Family Physicians cites exercise as a good stress reliever: it’s a healthy way to release stored-up tension and energy. Yoga has many positions for people of all fitness levels, so practice one that works for you.

Buy yourself a fun fiction book even if you don't have time to read it right away. It's good to have your next relaxing read lined up so that all you have to do is crack it open when you need a stress-free escape.

Pick a park in your town you don't usually go to and take a stroll. It’s a simple way to get a change of scenery and take a break from the daily grind. Going to a place where people are relaxing and having fun can help you relax, too.

Call an old friend to get caught up. Don’t worry if you haven’t spoken in a while: it just means you’ll have more to talk about. Sharing what’s going on in your life and hearing what’s going on in someone else’s can help you put your stress in perspective and help you see the big picture.

Stress is your body’s natural response to threatening situations, but can leave you with a lot of pent-up energy in the form of tension. Purchase an ergonomic pillow or a back massager to target your trouble areas, such as your neck and shoulders.

Always have a new nail polish on hand. A bottle of nail polish is not a big splurge, so buy yourself the fun color you’ve been wanting to try. If you store it someplace visible like your dresser or vanity, it will serve as a bright reminder to take a moment for yourself and give you something fun to look forward to in the future.

Keep your bathtub clean and stocked with aromatherapy bubbles or salts, so that it’s easy to slip in for a soak if the stress is rising. If your bathroom has bright overhead lights, switch them off and use candles or a nightlight for a more relaxing atmosphere. Choose soothing scents like lavender, eucalyptus, rose or vanilla to fill the air with calm luxury.