If you’re reading this, you’re stressed. Let’s talk about that.
This article isn’t what you need if you’re looking for long-term strategies to manage stress (even though we have plenty of those). You’re here because you’ve got five minutes — and by the end of it, you need to feel a little less like the floor is lava and every Slack notification is a threat.
However, if you're experiencing constant stress be sure to check in with your healthcare provider.
Without further ado, here are our top tips for de-stressing.
1. Ice your vagus nerve.
Quick bio lesson: the vagus nerve, or vagal nerves, are the central nerves of your parasympathetic nervous system — which also happens to be the system that promotes relaxation in the body after periods of stress. Both the left and right vagus nerves pass through your neck and chest.1
A 2018 study found that cold stimulation of those vagal nerves, through the neck or chest, can lead to decreased heart rate, relaxation, and potentially stress reduction.2 It’s worth a shot. Grab a bag of frozen peas, toss it on your neck, and lie down for a few minutes.
2. Dance it out.
We’re completely serious about this one. Being a silly goose might be a fix for what you’re feeling right now. Not only has dancing been proven to regulate stress and boost serotonin, it’s also something you can do from your seat.3
So, blast some music that gets you going (may we recommend all of Beyoncé’s B’Day album?), close your blinds if you’re nervous about an audience, and bust a move.
3. Let out the rage monster.
Do you shove your anger down? Whisper through gritted teeth that “everything’s fine” and promise to address it later? Stew for months over that thing you swore didn’t even bother you?
Well, you may be feeling super stressed because those pent-up grievances are finally hitting their boiling point. It’s time to give your anger a healthy release valve — it might just make you feel better. Take a moment to literally scream it out (the shower’s great for this, FYI), squish a stress ball, or head to a rage room, if you’ve got a little extra time. Even booking the slot might center you.
4. Build some Legos.
Or draw. Or play with kinetic sand. Do something with your hands. There’s a reason art therapy is a thing!
A study in the National Library of Medicine found that tactile stimulation and active creation are proven methods for stress management.4 That doesn’t mean you need to sign up for a pottery class today. Making anything with your own hands can help! So grab some colored pencils, the ingredients for your famous banana bread, or those crochet needles, if you have ‘em.
5. Block that number.
You already know who we’re talking about. If there’s someone in your life that is a repeated source of distress, tension, and worry, setting a quick boundary with them might be the release you need today.
Maybe you don’t answer that call that’s bound to become a three-hour vent session. Or cancel that lunch you’ve been dreading. No, you don’t have to literally block your ex’s number (though we’re here if you ever want to), but a step toward some space may be enough to lower that heart rate.
6. Go outside for two seconds.
Or two minutes! We’ll take anything. A change of scenery can work wonders in times of elevated stress. According to Harvard Health, a 20 minute “nature break” is ideal for stress relief — but you might not have that kind of time, and we respect it.
Stick your head out your window to take a gulp of fresh air, leave the house or office to take a quick walk, or go lay down in the grass.
7. Take your vitamins.
Let’s make sure we’re clear here: we’re talking supplement support, not medication! For example, if you’ve started your journey with menopause and have been experiencing frequent mood swings, a MENO gummy might help. If you’ve been noticing dryness in the bedroom (which can be caused by stress!), you may want to try a vaginal moisture supplement. Or, if you want an overall fix that you don’t have to keep track of, make a mocktail with this superfood powder and call it a day.*
Feel free to do any combination of these steps, in any order, until you start to feel a little less like the world is ending. Stress sucks — but by taking action to actually address it, you might already be halfway to a little peace.
If you or a loved one is experiencing chronic stress, check in with your doctor.
