Your palms are sweaty, your heart is racing, your head is pounding and your mind is going 100 mph. Everyone has had this all-too-familiar feeling of being stressed. That’s why we’ve put together your ultimate guide to squashing stress — when it hits you hard. If you start incorporating meditation, self-care and fika (that’s Swedish for coffee break) into your day, we can almost guarantee you’ll de-stress. Plus, you’ll become a whole lot happier, too. And science concurs!
45 Ways to De-Stress, Starting Now
How to Meditate Anytime, Anywhere
When you’re worried about an impending exam or big presentation at work, a little introspection can lend clarity and focus. Meditation has been shown to increase awareness around your thoughts, release tension in your body, and reduce stress and anxiety. Here are some simple meditations you can do to get started.
3 Guided Meditations for Productivity, Sleep and Cravings
3 Moving Meditations to Take Your Workout Higher
Forest Bathing: A New Style of Meditation
5 Blissful Meditation Studios to Stop and Feel the Zen
9 Mantras to Find Zen from Gabrielle Bernstein’s New Book
4 GIFs Will Help You Relax, Stat
The Daily Meditation You Can Do in Front of a Mirror
Lucid Dreaming: A New Way to Meditate…in Your Sleep
How to De-Stress in 10 Minutes or Less
Reserving even just a few minutes for yourself can go a long way. Start your day with 10 minutes of yoga, go for a walk in the park during your lunch break, or take a soothing bath as your nightcap. And if those don’t work for you, we rounded up tips from the top trainers and mental health experts on how they unwind.
22 Simple Steps to a Healthy, Happy Morning
How Trainers Stay on Top of Their Self-Care
What Mental Health Experts Do to De-Stress
5 Standing Desk Stretches to Relieve Stress Now
7 Self-Care Rituals to Practice Every Day
Adult Coloring Books: A New Way to Write Off Stress
7 Muscle-Soothing Recovery Baths to Wash Away a Stressful Day
9 Easy Yoga Poses to Help You Survive Work, Stress and Travel
How to Stop Sweating the Small Stuff
Wish your days could be more productive? Bring some organization to your life to help tame the chaos. From bullet journaling to single tasking, here are some easy ways to start getting stuff done.
6 Scenarios That Stress You Out But Shouldn’t
Always Tired? 12 Ways Wellness Experts Combat Exhaustion
How the Bullet Journal Trend Can Change Your Life
Single-Tasking: The Secret to Less Stress, More Productivity
How to Reduce Stress at Work by 40 Percent
3 Easy Tricks to Get Organized and Reduce Stress
7 Daily Habits That Are Sabotaging Your Mental Health
4 Ways to Get Energized Without Caffeine
11 Ways to Find Instant Happiness Today
7 Desk Must-Haves to Help You Calm Down, Stat
19 Positive Affirmations That’ll Change the Way You Think
How to Take a Hygge and Fika Coffee Break
The Scandinavians have de-stressing down to a science — and an art. It’s no wonder that they’re the happiest people on Earth. Hygge (the Danish art of coziness) and fika (the Swedish custom of coffee breaks) are two traditions that are catching on around the globe. Both customs involve relaxation, indulgence and togetherness. And, what better way to take part in the trend than by enjoying a soothing lavender-infused cold brew or a banana-almond smoothie? Do as the Scandinavians do, take a break and sip to good health.
Hygge, Fika and How Getting Cozy Can Make You Happier
5 Deliciously Soothing Ways to Cook with Lavender
8 Soothing Smoothie Recipes to Help You Sleep
7 Superfood Lattes That Will Make You Quit Coffee
8 Incredible Wellness Elixirs to Start Your Day
7 Teas That Are Seriously Good for Your Health
7 Health-Boosting Coffee Hacks to Try This Morning
How to Actually Get More Sleep
If you’re really stressed out, sometimes the best solution is to get some sound sleep. All the stages of snoozing, including non-REM and REM, are important for cognitive function, preserving memories and refreshing your brain. In fact, research shows that poor sleep can make people even more stressed, unhappy and angry. If you’re already in the throes of losing zzz’s every night, squeezing in a 10-minute nap can also help.
7 Bedtime Rituals to Help Banish Your Insomnia
Love Evening Workouts? 5 Ways to Avoid Sleepless Nights
9 Ways to Fall Asleep Faster (Without Counting Sheep)
9 Relaxing Yoga Poses to Do Before Bed
6 Ways to Sleep Better and Avoid Jet Lag on the Road
How to Bring Zen Into Your Home
According to many feng shui experts, your home is a direct reflection of your life. So if you’re feeling extremely stressed and beyond exhausted, don’t let it continue to pile on. Look around your home for some fixes. Remove the clutter (like those T-shirts and tote bags you’ll never use) and fill your drawers with only the things you actually need. Above all else, decorate your space with what makes you happy and generates positive energy. What you see is what you get.
Boost Productivity With This Feng Shui Makeover
Bedroom Makeover: 9 Feng Shui Tips for Better Sleep
7 Products to Make Your Home Instantly Zen