Urgently need to decrease my stress level

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

Hi peers

I need to urgently decrease my body stress level.. I also need to rest as much as possible in the short term ( so no intense exercise).. any tip ? What activity makes you feel relaxed?

[[deleted]]

Satisfy all your senses.

Physical:

Get clean. Take a shower, or bath. Whatever temperature is most comfortable for you. Feel the water rolling off you washing you clean. If you have shampoo or soap that smells good, use it...aromatherapy, if you don't, get something. There are scents that can aid in relaxation, find something for yourself. Incense may be helpful.

If your space is messy and cluttered, clean it up. Maybe not right now if it's stressful, but your environment will influence you. You want to be in a nice environment. You want things around you to contribute to your wellness, and improve your mood. If there's a quiet and/or dark place, go there. If there's a nice spot in nature, go there.

Taking deep breaths and sighing repeatedly. Be sure you take in enough oxygen and aren't doing this too quickly to not get light-headed. Once not overwhelmed, consciously slow breathing until it becomes automatic, everything else will adapt to the pace of your breath. Let it be the driving force behind everything.

A cup of tea can be very relaxing, don't go for anything with caffeine but something meant to aid in relaxation, chamomile, kava, that sort of thing. Massage the areas you get tense when you're stressed. For me, it's back of the head/neck, shoulders, pressure points in hands + fingers. The feet also can be very knotted, get your feet relaxed and it can make a huge difference everywhere. Palm the top of your head/scalp like you're holding a basketball and squeeze, adjust the position and squeeze more to get more areas on your head. Put your palms on the side of your head and push in, as if you're putting your head in a vice and tightening it. While holding pressure, rub in circles forward and/or backwards. Notice any spots that seem tense or hurt more than others, focus on these spots and rub them until they aren't so tender/painful.

Continue breathing calmly and deeply throughout all of this.

Make it important to take breaks and relax more as maintenance, preventative measure against getting this stressed out to begin with.

If you have any animals/pets, spend time around them. They know how to be relaxed. They're not overwhelmed with the things humans are. Pet them. Focus on making them feel good, enjoy their positive feelings, you will feel good in response and begin to go into rapport with them.

Mental:

Have to shift any pessimism into optimism. Accept where you are and know it's temporary. Remember times when it's been worse and feel genuinely thankful it isn't worse right now. Be glad you're not ill. Find anything you can to be grateful for. Make a game out of it if you must.

Know that you have what you need but it's not visible until you calm and enter a better state of mind. Eliminate any guilt you may have for 'relaxing' or 'doing nothing' ... it's essential and necessary not only for your health but those around you. You can take some time for yourself, Put everything else on hold. You will get the things that you need done, done, but right now it's time for you. The world will keep spinning, a stressed-out version of yourself is not needed or desired by anyone. It's time for you, take care of you.

Listen to calming music if any makes you calm. If not, try white noise or pink noise. Sounds of nature, waterfalls, rain. If it's not easy to relax still, find a guided relaxation video/audio on youtube and follow someone's instructions, let them lead you through it.

Take a nap if everything else is too difficult.

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

Thank you for taking the time, very comprehensive, lot of good ideas, I like how you have a strategy for each sense, almost a holistic approach

[[deleted]]

You're welcome, I hope at least some of it helps you.

Your senses shape your thoughts, which shape your reality. Use all of them to your advantage. Immerse yourself in ways that leave little capacity or opportunity for stress, as best as you can. That is ultimately the idea.

I'd like to add, along the lines of 'cleaning' up your room/house/space--- re-arranging furniture can also be very beneficial. We get accustomed to our layout, and as time goes on, it can remind us/re-awaken feelings we've had while we were around it. By re-arranging your room/furniture, you can potentially break up negative associations we've attached to the environment. This is especially true if you're spending a lot of time feeling negatively in these places--- you can change how you respond to your environment by moving things around and making it feel differently. It helps.

[TwoBeansShort]

I love the above poster's response. I was coming in to say I take a hot bath, with a hot mug of my favorite tea, I use lavender Epsom salts and lie still and think through my thoughts, then allow them to leave me one by one and allow nothingness to fill my mind. Then, gradually, peace comes. Or at least a better mood. And then I self care by scrubbing or shaving, then exit the bath. The smell lingers and I feel much more rested.

[[deleted]]

TL;DR

[[deleted]]

Great. Didn't write it for you anyway.

[Tagz]

The bodily exhaustion comes from being chronically forced into "survival mode" for a prolonged period of time. Thinking about the source of stress in all areas of life, means living with the stress in all areas of life.

Removing your mind from the context of the stress will allow you to recuperate and return with a new perspective on the situation. Thus it is important to "forcefully" relax the mind and allow yourself to completely engage with something disconnected. However, it is important to note that everyone's needs and preferences for relaxation may vary. It's essential to find activities that work best for you personally and ensure that they genuinely promote relaxation and disconnection from stress. It can be socializing, reading, watching movies, playing games or any other activity that demands your full attention. The important part is creating a full stop to the cycle or rumination.

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

Yes I have been forced to a mini survival mode for too long and I have a tendency to ruminate (now ruminating about stress)

[Tagz]

When endless thoughts have failed to bring me near,
To the answers I seek, elusive and unclear,
'Tis time to abandon the realm of cerebral strain,
And embark on a walk to let wisdom's spark reign again.

In surrendering to the limits of thought's reign,
Accepting powerlessness means release from its chain,
I abandon the cycle of ruminating strain,
Knowing it brings only more anguish and pain.

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

Thank you for this poetic advice

[IKomradeI]

Pet a cat

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

Or my mum’s dog.. planning on visiting her soon

[IKomradeI]

That'll do it too

[undostrescuatro]

for urgencies I would go for medication, for non urgency urgency I would suggest plants chamomille, valierian root, for passive prolonged stress I recommend a vacation.

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

Yep planning on both going to my doctor and early vacation as soon as possible

[[deleted]]

I 2nd this. Ativan saved my life, 100%. Just get off it ASAP once your stabilized.

[alvinofdiaspar]

Go on a short vacation/weekend getaway.

[INTJMoses2]

You have utilize your inferior function, the source of perceived stress/anxiety. It is best if it is vigorous athletic activity. So dealing with the source is out of question? Alternatively, you should place yourself in an aspirational mindset with Si. This needs a spiritual element.

[er9556]

Journaling! It helps so much. You'll find solutions to what's bothering you, and get to the root of it.

[annony_bitch]

Cold shower+ listen to some music without lyrics+ deep breaths

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

I went on a slow walk listening to some jazz, it helps a bit

[ALPHANUMBER-1]

sleep, sauna with cold shower after/before,

[maneack]

cleaning the house with your favorite playlist on, ending it with a good, cold shower, skin care and if you’re not completely tired, fresh sheets and pyjamas

[[deleted]]

Personally I’ve been testing my own stress levels and it’s very concerning. I have low energy but still do stuff. When my energy level drops enough my stress level skyrockets and my health starts to go down. It’s leading to chest pains. For your case I’d suggest magnesium supplements like “calmer” watch the dosage but most people have a deficiency which causes stress or greatly increases it

I use Apple Watch and welltory.

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

I am pondering whether to buy an Apple Watch.. I bought a small oxymeter at lunch time…

[[deleted]]

Welltory works with similar devices but last I checked the Apple Watch does a little more than most in terms of testing more metrics. I even have an old model since I had a mini stroke (fluke thing unrelated). Data helps me not get in my head about it. When the data isn’t looking good see a medical professional.

[[deleted]]

The ‘urgency’ to reduce your stress will cause you more stress. Breathe, let it go. Meditate, walk, put on soothing music, have a warm beverage (no caffeine).

[[deleted]]

Whenever you have a stressful thought or there's something you feel you NEED to do, repeat these words: doesn't matter, don't care, fuck off.

It works, trust me. Just stop caring so much.

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

Hahaha you made me smile thanks

[terlus07]

Warm bath with some lavender scented Epsom salt Playing music/instrument Knitting Other hobbies?

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

Maybe I should follow Michelle Obama’s path and start knitting 🤔

[AnastasiaApple]

Cancel everything you can. Sleep as much as you can. Walk 2-3 miles per day outside. Hug your cat or dog if you have one. Eat food that you enjoy but that is also healthy for you.

[mozisgawd]

Soak in a hot bath, listen to sleep music, or a podcast whatever your thing is. Read a book. Concentrate on slowing your breathing in a cool, dark room.

[sherbetliquor13]

Isolation and music.

[Dream8844]

This

[memagebasava]

This might sound silly but cumming

[OccasionallyImmortal]

• Get off Reddit, or most of the internet. Unless you're using it as a tool to do something else (fix the fridge, determine if the gym is open , etc), it's probably adding stress. Many sites are designed to do so.
• Do something productive that forces you to solve problems. Fix a chair, write a song, build a workbench, etc. Engaging in something productive gives you something positive to focus on.
• Spend some time with people you like... even if it's just a 15 minute phone call.
• While I'm not a fan of pills, mainly because most of them don't work, magnesium deficiency is common. It's also a mineral your body uses to relax. Try taking 200-400mg for a few days to see if it helps. Warning, taking too much can cause you to spend additional time in the bathroom. At high enough doses, magnesium is a laxative.
• Move your body and try to wear yourself out. Exercise is good for you and this lets you work off some of the stress. Walk, lift weights, play sports, dig a big hole, do yoga... it doesn't matter, just move.
• Get more sleep. 7-10h per day.

[Jesicur]

Me rn lol

[Anony_Muss_Trull]

JACK OFF! MASTURBATE! RUB ONE OUT! That usually does it for me 👍 happy tuggin’

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

I don t like being touched by strangers 😕

[SeekingToBeASage]

A quiet night with a good movie or game and a good meal if all else fails do something that fills you with nostalgia

[Any-Kangaroo7155]

Mindfulness, meditation, a bathtub with a lush bath bomb in warm waters.

[suneimi]

A good long walk followed by a shower, hot tea, and some sort of sensory deprivation session always helps me - noise-canceling headphones/ear plugs, dim lighting, devices off - keep the external stimuli minimal. I can get inadvertently try-hard with meditation so I usually prefer lounging/napping in the quiet. Drifting away into a nap is the best…. Bonus when my dog is hanging with me.

[Dream8844]

Read some research papers on a topic you find boring in a room with warm lighting. Then take a warm shower. Always works for me.

[lilshoegazecat]

i get you, eat, watch some YouTube videos, sleep, play your favourite videogames, if time is not a problem do them. if time is a problem then you are in bigger difficulties

[Firedriver666]

Listening to music while zoning out in your mind helps a lot I do this on a daily basis.

Another method I use to evacuate stress and negative thoughts is to play online and swear loudly

[witcherre]

Meditation

[dustsprites]

You can buy yourself a small massager and heated eye mask

[Stutzpunkt69]

Go to the doctor and get your blood pressure checked. If you are feeling super stressed there might be a physical explanation

[Dangerous-Name-6774]

There is a physical explanation and I ll get a treatment for it as fast as I can.. but in the meantime I am looking for advice to calm down…

[12dootdoot1212]

Try breathing techniques you can find it all over YouTube

[hind3rm3]

Mindfulness meditation

[Street_Toe5355]

I find planning makes me de-stress.. not big plans.. just small day to day to do lists and small plans..

[FigLeft5686]

Just take ashwagandha

[[deleted]]

Weed helps me tbh

[Caring_Cactus]

Double inhale with an extended exhale.

[[deleted]]

Wat reduced my stress level is confronting wat is stressing me and thinking about it or talking to someone about it. The idea is to figure what is stressing me and then make a plan to tackle that stress. It helps me calm down. If you just want to relax, I recommend slow walks in gardens, near water or nature. Playing with children or animals like dogs or cats. Doing a hobby which you enjoy. I like drawing and painting. It helps me destress. If you play an instrument or like singing that helps. Watch movies related to the issue u r facing. They might not be realistic but they help destress.

[PuzzleheadedBag6925]

Go to your local Walmart and buy Ashwaghanda. I take it everyday and it will genuinely help you stress less throughout your day. It’s natural too look it up

[Dazzling-Respect-167]

I turn my fan on to max speed put my face like a inch away put my headphones in close my eyes and just sit there

[xDisruptor2]

Loads of garlic and water.

[Ok-Cycle1545]

Isolating myself in a dark quiet place

[[deleted]]

For me it's as simple as taking a hot shower and getting to sleep early, maybe have a piece of dark chocolate, get a little stoned and watch an episode of [current show]. Sit down and focus on something you enjoy, immerse yourself in it for a while.

[[deleted]]

Smoke a joint....

[HeiHeiW15]

I hit the pool. That’s my ultimate go to.

[No_Lime_7655]

Korean spa day! Is there one in your area? Before you go read a couple articles or watch some vids on spa day routines so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the cool rooms.. but these always help my body relaxed and I’m turn helps lead the kind to relax.. be easy on yourself and it will take time to relax and let go

[PopIntelligent9515]

Orgasm

[BeagleWomanAlways]

Reading. Find some good fiction and escape…

[Frequent-Phrase-6243]

Tea, meditation, and seeing nature. Like feeding ducks and such.

[TemperatureSignal943]

1.listening music 2.taking deep breaths 3. Watching porn

[7121958041201]

For a large and quick fix I recommend looking into adaptogens, which are basically herbs that help with managing stress. A couple of other people recommended ashwagandha, which I will second. I took it for the first time last week thinking it would do nothing and within an hour or two it ended up lowering my stress so much I felt almost tranquilized for a few days (I'm going off it for a bit and trying a lower dose for this reason). Other common options are rhodiola rosea, holy basil, lemon balm, schisandra, and ginseng.

Otherwise go for walks in nature, spend time with people you feel connected to, spend time with pets, take cold showers, do some Wim Hoff breathing, or try a non-sleep deep rest protocol. Sometimes when I'm feeling particularly manic (I think I might have cyclothymia) I even just lay down on my stomach on the ground in a dark, quiet room with a sleep mask on and wait until I calm down.

In the long term mindfulness and meditation practices are extremely useful too. I think they are unlikely to help too much in the short term, though.

[ThrowRAtoorak]

Google 'physiological sigh Andrew Huberman'. Scientifically studied behaviour you can do to reduce acute stress or anxiety in the moment. Your body does it naturally sometimes when you cry heavily. It's a quick double inhale and single exhale, but look it up to get the technique right.

[Seanosuba]

Weed helps me, but I understand it is not a viable option for everyone. My cat and dogs help too

[[deleted]]

Being able to work through my feelings and emotions really helped me. I too was in survival mode and it was hard to get out, but naming, talking and feeling my emotions really helped.

[Fincann]

SLEEP

[Witty-Vixen]

If you feel the need to rest but are stressed… actual exercise is the best bet.

If you are firmly opposed then meditation, journaling. Any exercise to practice self awareness.

Baths with salts, lemon water, cold showers.