Everyone wants quick stress relief. Besides the fact that stress is a killer, life is too fast. But how do you get calm?
“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” – Lily Tomlin
Quick Stress Relief: How to Slow Down and Get Calm
Any way to find quick stress relief that works is appealing. Yet, how do you achieve this state of calm? It sounds too simple and easy, but slowing down works like a magic pill to help reduce stress.
Think about it. When you’re in a hurry, you’re much more likely to be anxious, cut corners, look for the quickest way to completion, and worry that you might not get everything done. Therefore, you feel more pressure to perform, which increases blood pressure, elevates heart rate, and produces added stress.
On the other hand, when you deliberately take a moment to catch your breath—literally—what happens? Deep breathing slows down your heartbeat, your blood pressure can level off to a healthier range, and your anxiety and worry begin to dissipate. While it’s not a complete fix for stress, slowing down has other advantages that can contribute to quick stress relief.
Slowing Down Helps You Reconnect with the Present
Instead of such a laser-sharp focus on what’s yet to do, slowing down brings you back to the here and now. You begin to notice what you’re feeling, seeing, touching, smelling, tasting, and hearing. However, your work and to-do list will still be there, but it won’t seem as daunting or demanding. It hasn’t changed, you have. And it all begins by slowing down.
Schedule Regular Time-Outs for Quick Stress Relief
Sometimes, slowing down means taking a much-needed break. This is time for yourself to regroup, refresh, replenish, and revitalize.
- It could be as basic as going for a walk in nature, around the parking lot, to lunch, and back.
- However, other suggestions include indulgent massages, soaking baths, reading your favorite books, or whatever makes you feel relaxed.
- Regularly scheduling me-time helps establish a healthy pattern. Besides, these pauses to refresh dramatically cut stress and are great stress coping methods.
Slowing Down Can Enrich Relationships
If you’re always in a hurry, you’ll likely miss key events with family, loved ones, and friends. There are only so many hours in the day, and you can’t get them back once they’re gone.
- However, slowing down allows you to spend that precious time with those you care about. You can do things together or talk and be with each other.
- After all, what’s the benefit of racking up a big bank account if you’re all alone? Slow down and reap the benefit of enriched friendships and relationships. Besides, you can have this if you put your mind to it.
Quick Stress Relief Leads to Greater Productivity
Many worry that taking time for themselves decreases their productivity. However, the opposite is true. When you make it a point to slow down what you’re doing, it helps your ability to be more productive over time.
How does this work?
- When you slow down, your mind can work on solutions to problems you may be experiencing.
- You can find a better way to do something.
- Furthermore, it’s easier to prioritize tasks and projects,
- Besides, slowing down can eliminate or reduce conflict and allow you to do your best.
All these help you become more efficient and adept at completing tasks. They also significantly reduce your stress.