Stress is a major problem in the world. The daily stress can consist of your pressure at work, private worries and all the hundreds of daily chores that need to be done. It is these small and big things put together that causes stress for many people.

Are you stressed?

Then you have found the right place! It is possible to reduce stress with relaxing and entertaining activities. Below are 5 activities that can help you towards a more stress-free everyday life.

 

1. Yoga & Meditation

Yoga is probably a tip you have heard of before when it comes to stress. And yes, it can be hard to get into a whole yoga routine. If you are completely new to yoga, it is a good idea to try using calm yoga exercises and go on group exercises with others. The internet has many beginner exercises on YouTube, and your local gym usually offers some form of yoga class. It doesn’t have to be more complicated than taking the time for a 15-minute yoga session in the living room.

Several studies in yoga show that the activity reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, lowers cortisol, improves the immune system and strengthens muscles. The list goes on!

2. Read & Listen

Skip the next Netflix episode and the endless Instagram scrolling, and read or listen to a book instead. Choose your favourite, even if it is a thriller, scary or just easy to listen to. Feel free to avoid non-fiction or textbooks - go for entertaining instead or a good podcast.

3. Cook

You do not have to be a master in the kitchen to make a great meal. Take the time to find a good recipe, plan and buy the ingredients you need, and cook in peace and quiet. Let your focus be on tasting and smelling to let your brain rest from stressful thoughts. The best part is that you get a tasty dinner as a reward!

4. Paint!

Creative activities help the stressed brain to relax. This is also why painting has become a popular activity precisely to reduce stress. When the brain focuses only on brushstrokes and colors, we forget other stressful thoughts and instead achieve peace and relaxation for our senses. Painting provides a relaxing effect that can be equated with meditation. That sounds tempting, doesn't it?

Let go of the idea that the painting should be neat or perfect. Or make it easy for yourself and do a paint by numbers painting. When you paint by numbers, you train the part of the brain that controls our emotions. According to psychologists and researchers, 15 minutes of painting a day can improve your emotional state - only after a week. Get inspired to paint here.

5. A long shower or bath

Bath and shower have several positive health effects. Hot water, or water massage, helps against stiff muscles and joints. As a bonus, you also get the opportunity to give yourself a relaxing scalp massage, face mask or just enjoy a quiet moment.

We know that you can create a better and friendlier world by being kind. Therefore, for each ordered paint kit, we donate a paint kit to a person suffering from mental illness. Among other things, we donate to psychiatry in Southern Denmark, which you can read more about here.