After heartbreak, it’s not uncommon to find that you are a shadow of your former self. Irritable, unhealthy, and always tired, it’s little wonder that we often find ourselves completely stressed out. When in this degenerated state, we are in danger of blowing up on someone, not being able to handle workloads, and spiraling further down the abyss of heartbreak.
Therefore, the importance of being able to cope with stress cannot be underestimated, and as laughable as it may initially seem, being able to relax and unwind is a skill in itself. When we’re relaxed, our minds function better, our relationships improve, and our overall level of well-being increases.
Here's a list of 7 of the best ways to unplug and lower your stress levels after heartbreak:
1. Take a hot bath
One of the best ways to relax is to set some time aside to be alone away from all the hustle and bustle of daily life. Soaking in a hot bath is great because not only do you get this time to yourself, but the hot water immediately puts your body at ease. You’ll find it difficult to really think about anything stressful when in this relaxed state. Some light music and a nice book, and you’re all set.
2. Go for a jog
If it’s been a while since you’ve exercised, this is one of the best ways you can alleviate stress. A jog, even if it is only a short light one, is a good way to get the blood flowing. Stress is often compounded by remaining stagnant and having poor blood circulation, whether that is from sitting at a desk job, or at home. Many stressed people will opt out of this one because they feel too tired, but a light jog will leave you feeling refreshed rather than fatigued, and will also help you sleep better at night.
3. Go to sleep early
Many people with chronic stress often stay up way past midnight either out of habit, or because they’re busy doing work. Take two or three days to get in bed at least by 10:30 PM. You’ll be shocked at how rejuvenated you feel the next day. What many people don’t realize is that there is a big difference between getting 8 hours of sleep from 2 AM - 10 AM and 10 PM – 6 AM. The latter is much better for you because the most regenerative sleep occurs between 10 PM and 2 AM. If you are going to bed at 2 AM you’ve already missed this window of time.
4. Watch a movie
When I say watch a movie, I mean really make an effort to get into the movie. I know a close family member of mine who often gets so stressed that she’ll put in a movie, and watch the whole thing with glazed eyes. Ask her a question about the movie and she wouldn’t be able to answer it for her life. In other words, watching a movie does not mean merely spending the two hours thinking about what you have to do, or what’s been bothering you. Movies are a chance to unplug and be able to relax for a short while.
5. Pour a glass of red wine
It is little secret that alcohol can be a great way to unwind. While doing so, you might as well do it right with a glass of red wine which also contains polyphenols, resveratrol, and antioxidants, all healthy ingredients that will boost your immune system while alleviating stress. Just make sure you don’t drink too much because this can do more harm than good, as excessive alcohol consumption has been known to suppress R.E.M. sleep, the most important stage of sleep.
6. Go out with friends
Sometimes on our days off, we feel so tired from stress that we can’t even seem to find the energy to go out with some good company. While sometimes it is best to just stay in, on other occasions it may be that what your stressed life is really missing is a fun night out with friends. If it has been a long time since you’ve found yourself having a good laugh with some friends, make that extra effort to go out in spite of being tired.
7. Stretch
Like the hot bath that already made our list, this should be done somewhere private and quiet. Getting a good deep stretch is great, and like the jogging that also made our list, is an excellent way of getting some much needed blood circulation. When we get stressed, our muscles tend to cramp up and get into knots, and this is a relaxing way to get yourself feeling loose again.
These activities are some surefire ways to get you feeling loose and relaxed again. Take some time out to follow this list, and you’ll start to see the old you again. What are some of your favorite ways to alleviate stress?
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