This is a guest post by Ally Tobias from Comparison Finder. Ally is part of the team that manages personal finance blogs based in Sydney, Australia, which provide tips about saving money and budgeting spreadsheet. Before joining the team, she was a Media Planner in McCann Worldgroup Philippines, Inc., with award-winning executions, including the Levi’s 501 “Live Unbuttoned” global campaign.
Stressed and tired? Need a break from your routine but don’t want to spend anything? The tricks to relaxing are right at your fingertips, and you don’t have to spend a single cent.
In our busy world, it’s hard not to feel tired all the time. Feeling sleepy when you’re supposed to be wide awake, or having a migraine are just ways our body is saying it’s having a hard time coping with the challenges of every day. A vacation or a trip to the spa sounds like a wonderful thing to get some rest and relaxation, but sometimes it can cost quite a bundle. Getting the bill for your trip makes you all the more stressed and in need of something to wash the worries away.
Getting rid of stress without spending any money is quite possible. Here are 7 ways to destress without spending money:
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1. Meditate
People have been practicing meditation for centuries, and its benefits have been proven time and time again. It relaxes you and allows you to focus on the things that matter.
Basic meditation is enough to help lighten your stress load. Find a comfortable position and clear your head. Focus on something that gives you peace and relaxation. Keep that thought constant as you let go of things and ideas that trouble you. It may take a while to keep your mind focused, but the more you practice the better you’ll be at meditating.
2. Do Something Creative
There is a belief that artists are free-spirited and in tune with themselves because they’ve managed to reach a zen-like zone when they are practising their craft. When you create things, you bring out something from inside of you and project it to a canvas, an instrument or anything that expresses these feelings or ideas. Being creative can be as simple as doodling on a piece of paper, or writing in your journal or blog. Even those who believe that they have no drop of artistic talent can get creative. By letting go of the boundaries that rule your creation, you are allowing yourself to feel free and more attuned to a more peaceful mind.
3. Read A Book
Who has time to read nowadays? “I’ll wait for the movie,” they say. Or they’ll resort to listening to the audiobook version to be able to multitask. Reading actual books take time, and you can’t really do anything else while reading (except maybe eat). But when you read, you escape from reality. It allows you to travel to places you normally won’t go to. It lets you experience things that you usually won’t come across because of your busy schedule. You can meet people who are long gone. Reading books also allows you to put things into perspective, giving you a chance to regroup and relax.
4. Sleep
Most of the time, our stress comes from trying to deal with so many things at once. Have you ever thought that 24 hours is never enough for you to finish all your tasks? Do you skip sleep in order to cram more activity into your life? After several days of only a few hours of sleep, your body will break down. Take power naps (ten to fifteen minutes) during the day to recharge, and at night, make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep.
5. Play
I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Work creates a monotony that our minds want to break out from. At the office, take advantage of your lunch break or take time in between to do something you enjoy. During weekends, find something that not only engages your mind (like board games) but also your body (a basketball game, or any sport). The change from your routine allows you to recharge.
6. Exercise
Being stuck behind the desk for forty hours a week will stress anyone out. Coupled with unhealthy eating habits, your body will also start to suffer. Exercising releases the tension trapped in your body. It doesn’t have to be a big activity like taking up sports, particularly if your lifestyle is sedentary. Going out for a walk during your breaks is a great way to get exercise, and you don’t need special equipment besides a pair of comfortable shoes.
7. Breathe
Breathing is a natural action our bodies do 24/7. If we stop breathing, we die. However, did you know that sometimes we don’t breathe properly? Our bodies need oxygen in order to function properly. When we don’t take in enough oxygen, our bodies rebel. Learn to breathe slowly and completely. Inhale through your nose while counting up to five. Slowly expel your breath through your mouth and count again to five while you’re doing it. Allow your abdomen to expand as you breathe in order to help air circulate properly in your body. Do these exercises when you’re feeling tired or stressed. Just a few minutes can greatly help.
You don’t have to go to a fancy spa or resort in order to relax and let go of stress. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most effective in helping you get your life in order. All you need is time and a bit of determination to make it all happen.