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We all have stressful days at one point or the other. It’s a way of life. And I think most of us can agree that after a long, stressful day at work, the only thing we want to do is get in our sweats and plop on the couch to watch some TV. Sometimes that’s all you need. But I’ve learned especially in the last year (through working and planning a wedding full-time), there’s so many other options that help with more of that mind/body/soul connection. Below are five ways to unwind after one of those stressful days.

Go for a Walk

Some fresh air can really do the mind and body good. I’ve always been told to go for a walk when I’m feeling stressed, even if it’s for just ten minutes. In the past, I used to shrug off that advice. I’m one of those people that just likes to get through my stress in the situation that I’m in as soon as possible, instead of prolonging the inevitable. I’ve since changed my views on this because one brisk walk is all I need to immediately clear my head and feel more calm. I’m able to come back to my desk or back home feeling re-energized and ready to tackle my stress in a healthy way. Bonus? You get to add more steps to your day!

Light a Candle / Turn On Your Diffuser

I don’t know about all of you, but lighting candles just makes me so happy. I’m one of those people that stocks up at Bath & Body Works every time their candles go on sale. They’re the best. In my opinion, you can never have too many candles. Light up B&BW’s “Stress Relief” aromatherapy candle  for a calming and relaxing ambiance.

Photo Credit: Bath & Body Works

I also got an aromatherapy diffuser as a wedding gift and I had no idea what I was missing before I had it. I absolutely adore it. It’s the best to turn it on right before bed with some lavender oil to really help soothe and relax.

Disconnect & Read a Book

Sometimes it’s okay to put the phone down when you’re feeling stressed. Escape the world and focus your energy elsewhere, like reading a book! I’ve been on a self-help kick lately and am currently loving “You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero. It really doesn’t matter what book you end up reading, as it’s been scientifically proven that by losing yourself in a book, you can escape the worries and stresses of the everyday world.

Create a Cozy Space and Sip Some Tea

Do you have a favorite place you go to in your home? Cozy up there with a pillow and blanket and enjoy a cup of tea. My personal fave is Yogi Tea’s Stress Relief tea as it has no caffeine. You’ll instantly feel more at ease.

Photo Credit: Yogi

Take a Deep Breath (Or a Few)

Meditation is proven to reduce high blood pressure and relax the mind and body. I recently purchased an Apple Watch and it knows when I’m at rest and my heart rate begins to spike (hello, stress). I get a notification from my “Breathe” app and I’m able to focus on intentional thoughts and breaths. If you want something a bit more advanced, I’ve personally liked the “Headspace” app too. I will say, meditation is something I continue to struggle with. It’s so simple, but it takes a lot of conscious effort to turn off those racing thoughts and just be. It’s easy to say “I don’t have time for that” or “It’s not for me.” But little by little, the more it’s done, the more beneficial it really can be for your mind, body and soul.

The next time you’re feeling stressed, try one of these methods (or all of them!). I hope they work as well as they do for me. Let me know in the comments if there’s anything else you’d add! 

Kelly

Kelly Nash is a Chicago-based writer, career coach, speaker and founder of Lipstick & Ink®. She also works full-time in technology as a Success Manager at Salesforce and has over 10 years of digital marketing experience. Kelly has been featured in Thrive Global, Chicago Tribune, International Association of Women, General Assembly, Salesforce, and SheFactor. She’s fueled by black coffee, sunshine, a good ink pen, and a bold lip.