How to Mentally Refresh After a Stressful Day

In need of some stress relief? You’ve come to the right place.

In today’s world, being busy is put on a pedestal. Hustle culture has encouraged people to take on multiple roles almost 24 hours a day with little time to rest and recharge. This is why it’s important to practice self-care.

When left unaddressed, stress can lead to serious health problems like anxiety, depression, and even increase a person's risk of developing diabetes. Here are some ways you can mentally refresh after a stressful day.

Take a hot shower or warm bath 

Hot water relaxes your muscles and prepares you for sleep. Ease the tensions of the day with a hot shower, or by slipping into the tub and enjoying some sweet-smelling bath salts. Pamper yourself with a 100% Bamboo Towel afterward, because you absolutely deserve it. 

Use an exfoliating scrub

We know that exfoliating gives your skin a radiant glow, but did you also know that it can reduce stress and help you recover from a stressful day? Massaging your body gently with an exfoliating salt scrub promotes better circulation and releases toxins from your body.

Get a full night’s sleep

Stressed people usually sleep shorter hours and wake up easily. If you tend to delay your bedtime, practice some self-control. Disconnect from your gadgets before nightfall and get ready for bed.Learn to say no to after-work activities in the meantime and prioritize getting into bed. You need at least 7-9 hours of sleep to feel fully recharged. 

Investing in quality bedding like the new French Linen Luxury Sheet Set will make you look forward to bedtime, sleep better, and help clock in those much needed hours. 

Consider aromatherapy

While aromatherapy has been called a pseudoscience, there are some promising studies that show that inhaling essential oils can effectively reduce stress. In studies done with high school and college students, respondents reported lower levels of stress and improved sleep quality after using essential oils. Try valerian, lavender, jasmine, sweet basil, geranium, lemon balm, fennel, holy basil, sweet basil, marjoram, patchouli, clary sage, frankincense, and chamomile. According to different scientific research, these essential oils can help reduce and manage stress.

Read a book or watch a film

No, you don’t have to book a ticket to Europe to escape stress. You can simply open an inspiring book or watch a good film to temporarily disconnect. Light-hearted escapism won’t solve your big problems, but it can take some pressure off and help you ride out your emotions. Just remember to stay away from horror films and thrillers so you can relax and have fun.

Stretch and exercise

Fatigue can tempt you to just sit around all day or start binging on food, but doing these will make you feel more stressed and guilty. Instead, try practicing yoga or going for a quick 20-minute walk to energize and refresh. There are also lots of mobile apps that can help you exercise at home when you don’t feel like going out.

Give yourself a massage

One of the best ways to give yourself love is through a self-massage. Give your thighs, belly, shoulders, neck, ears, jaw, and scalp a gentle and soothing rub. Massaging the tight spots in your body even for 10 minutes can do wonders for your mental health.

Pray or meditate

Prayer and meditation refocus your mind, helping you unload unhealthy emotions and think good, purposeful thoughts. Accepting that the world is not for you to carry, that there’s a more powerful force beyond you, can significantly relieve pressure and stress. 

Get some fresh air

Your brain uses 20% of the oxygen you take in to function properly, so it’s good to get up from that office chair and take deep breaths of fresh air. Aside from energizing your mind, the fresh air also cleans your lungs and boosts happiness levels. 

Connect with loved ones

Spending more time with people you love and who make you feel loved is one of the best therapies for your soul. It’s refreshing to be with people who listen without judgment and let you be your unfiltered self. 

Giving yourself a mental break after a long stressful day can translate to a healthier mind, emotions, and body. Take steps to recharge so you can fully enjoy your life.