If you’re the kind of person who quickly flies off the handle at the slightest inconvenience (like most of us!), you might have experienced trouble setting aside time to unwind. However, it’s essential that you take the time to destress. According to healthcare professionals, relaxation techniques can increase our mood, reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and reduce our susceptibility to other health risks like heart disease and stroke.
And while you might have heard of traditional relaxation methods like meditation or listening to a ‘calming’ playlist on Spotify, sometimes you need something fast-acting and non-conventional to help you quickly destress your mind/body.
This is why we’ve created this article outlining several unconventional, fast ways to promote relaxation, from having a cold shower and playing online slots (or other online games!) to making yourself laugh and booking a much-needed appointment. Whether you’re dealing with after-work stress or need to let your hair down after back-to-back weeks alone with the kids, keep reading to find the best unconventional way to destress below.
Take A Cold Shower
While you may have heard of having a hot bath to lower heightened stress levels, dropping everything, and having one in the heat of the moment can be challenging. On the other hand, a cold shower is much more achievable since you can be in and out within minutes (and you don’t have to wait for it to run, either!).
Although having a cold shower might sound like an impossible gameshow challenge, many benefits have been linked to having cold showers, ice baths, etc., with one of the most significant being reducing negative emotions like depression, anxiety, and stress. As the cold water hits your body and it goes into shock, endorphins are released, and blood circulation is improved, which can help increase morale and foster more positive emotions.
However, while the benefits of cold showers are promising, it’s essential to introduce yourself to colder temperatures and increase exposure gradually to avoid discomfort or going into shock. Plus, if you are subject to any health concerns or taking medication, it’s also best to approach your GP first for their advice before making any changes to your routine.
Play Online Games
For many gamers, nothing is better than heading home after a hard day at work and playing a few rounds of their favourite RPG or MOBA. Yet, while cosy RPGs like ‘Stardew Valley,’ can help people relax, MOBAs like ‘League of Legends,’ can be more tiring due to their fast-paced nature. However, the good news is that all games play a part in helping you relax, no matter their gameplay.
Playing online games can reduce stress in the following ways: