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Feel More Relaxed With These 8 Healthy and Inexpensive Ways You Can De-Stress at Home
by
jenny sugar
Getty / Catherine Delahaye
If you’re spending more time at home and away from other people, you may not have access to your usual outlets of relieving stress, like going to the gym or group fitness classes, seeing your therapist, or spending time with friends and family. Here are some healthy ways to de-stress at home. These are fairly inexpensive, and even doing them for a few minutes can help uplift your mood and make you feel calmer.
Related: 17 Ways to Feel Happier and Brighten Your Day
POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
Meditative Doodling
While sitting down and meditating can be beneficial for relaxing the body and mind, if your thoughts are racing, sometimes it’s too difficult to calm them with mere deep breaths. Try Zentangle, a type of meditative doodling, to focus your attention and allow your thoughts to settle.
All you need is a piece of paper and a pen, and there are tons of free videos online you can learn from.
POPSUGAR Photography / Louisa Larson
Breathe Deeply With Calming Yoga
Turn the lights low, light a candle or two, put on some gentle music, and do these calming yoga poses or this de-stressing yoga sequence.
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Do a 10-Minute Workout
Maybe sitting still or being calm actually makes you more anxious, and you just need to move! Follow along to one of these 10-minute workout videos to take your mind off your worries.
POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
Get Into the Kitchen
Baking or cooking is a stress reliever for many people because it allows you to be creative and nourishes your soul. Bake some sweet potato banana bread or vegan chocolate doughnuts.
If you want to go for something more savory and comforting, try these vegan pasta dishes or these hearty bowls of soup.
And if making food in advance makes you feel more at ease, meal prep these coconut curried lentils with tofu and quinoa or these Buddha bowls.
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Foam Roll
As a form self care and recovery, take five to 10 minutes to use a foam roller. This self-massage will feel so good on your tight, tense muscles. Try these foam-rolling exercises.
Getty / PeopleImages
Get Cozy With an Uplifting Book and a Mug
While it’s good to stay informed about the issues of the world, if the news is making you feel uneasy, take a break and read something uplifting instead. Cuddling under a blanket on the couch with one of these mood-boosting books and a calming cup of hot tea or coffee can transform your negative feelings, even if you only have a few minutes.
Getty / Guido Mieth
Use Your Phone For Good
While reading or watching stressful news isn’t helping your level of stress, you can still use your phone to uplift your mood. FaceTime a friend or relative to feel more connected and get some laughs. Listen to an uplifting podcast or audiobook. Watch some adorable dog videos or listen to a meditation app. Just be mindful about staying off social media if scrolling through heightens your anxiety.
