From day to day activities to major life problems, stress can be a huge part of life. And while you cannot control what happens in your life, you can control how you respond to them. Some methods will surely prove beneficial while you are stuck at home.

When stress is high, it can be overwhelming on your well-being. That’s why it is important to have effective stress relievers that can calm your mind, soul and body.

1.Guided Imagery:

       Guided Imagery also known as katathym-imaginative Psychotherapy is a way for you to be relieved from your current reality and be at a “happy place” by placing guided images and visuals in your mind. It is like taking a short vacation trip in your mind. Maybe you can place yourself on a beach with warm sand, or you can be atop a hill, breathing in the fresh air.

      Simply close your eyes for a minute and walk yourself through a peaceful and calm scenario in your mind. Think and allow yourself to feel as you are really there.

2.Meditate:

       An all-time favourite way of relieving stress. Meditation is beneficial for short-term relief as well as long-term relief. There might be many different ways to meditate as take slow breaths while your eyes are closed.

       You just need to find your own mantra; it can be ‘Om’ or some word that makes you calm. You might take time to get into the meditation, as mind distracts. Simply pay attention to what you hear, see, touch, taste and smell, and you will get the hang of it.

       While meditating, you need to achieve mindfulness and you cannot worry about anything at that point of time. It takes practice, but it can make a big difference in your overall stress level.

3.Progressive Muscle Relaxation:

       This method involves relaxing all your muscles in your body, group by group. To start off with it, you can start few deep breaths.

       Then move on to tightening and relaxing your muscles, starting with your forehead and moving down to your toes.

       As you practice more you will identify and recognize the muscles that ease your tightness and tension in your muscles, that will relieve you from your stress in overall.

4.Hug Your Loved One:

       As it turns out Munna Bhai was always right about “Jaadu Ki Jhappi”. Hugging can be a great stress reliever for you and your loved one. When you hug someone, oxytocin or cuddle hormone is released that can cause a reduction in blood pressure. It also results in reduction of stress hormone norepinephrine and can produce a sense of relaxation.

       In a safe and private environment of your home, don’t be afraid to ask your loved one for a hug. It will help both of you and can be the simplest form of stress relieving exercise available.

5.Develop a Positive Self-Talk Habit:

      The way you talk to yourself matters. It’s important for you to talk to yourself in a more compassionate and realistic manner.

      You can develop this habit by having an internal dialogue with yourself whenever you have self-doubt. If you are thinking constantly about the thing you don’t like or things you cannot stand, you will stress yourself out. It is better to encourage yourself in an internal dialogue with yourself.

       Positive self-talk can develop a healthier outlook towards life. Optimistic and Compassionate conversation with yourself can help manage your emotions and actions.

There are other exercises that can also help you relief stress like creating artwork, eating balanced meal, doing yoga, expressing gratitude towards a loved one, reassessing your to do list.

Relieving stress can lead to a better and calm life. Be relieved from stress while at home. This will help you and your loved ones who are living with you.