Stress is one of the sneakiest monsters of them all. You think it’s just an additional hassle, but before you know it you can feel the physical impact of high-strung negative energy day after day. Even in the Magic City, people face intense moments that might make them want to squeeze a stress ball or two. But there are ways that we can healthily counter these tense moments. We share a few ways to find some calm in instances of inner chaos here.
Take a Walk
What’s this author’s number one way to calm their nerves down? Taking a walk at East Lake Park, Ruffner Mountain, Railroad Park, Vulcan Trail, Highland Park, or around the neighborhood with my dog. Sunlight, a little time to clear the brain, and some light exercise go a long way in lessening the weight of a stressful day.
Read a Book
If this world is stressing you out a bit, why not transport to another one for an hour or two? Birmingham has multiple establishments that contain hundreds of portals to alternate worlds, tales of the past, and even a cartoon cat that hates Mondays. You can search for financial and other advice, and find books on de-stressing for people that know a lot more than me! Some great spots to check out for good reads are Reeds Books, Thank You Books, and Sanctum.
Pick Up a Relaxing Hobby
I’m not telling you to add more commitments to your schedule, especially if that’s a key stress factor currently. What I am saying is one good source of shedding off stress for me has been finding new and fun experiences. Pickleball, disc golf, fishing, art, writing, jogging, commenting on the humidity, visiting different food trucks, or keeping track of baseball games could be the next step to inner peace. Some activities let you meet new friends, and some let you spend time by yourself. Do what’s best for you!
Changing Your Environment
The space around you can be one of the biggest determinants of your mental and emotional health. This applies to everything from who you surround yourself with to your work environment and your home atmosphere. This can apply to our physical spaces as well. Rearranging a room can bring a whole new energy. Spending more time in a different room of the house or outside might bring new clarity. Adding a humidifier, vision board, calendar, uplifting messages, or art can brighten your day to magnitudes previously unknown.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditating have been helping people find calm and clarity for centuries, and continue to do so today. Guided and self-led sessions allow you to slow down and recenter. There are plenty of apps and wonderful experts like The BLK Yogi in Birmingham to help ease in anyone who feels they aren’t yet knowledgeable of this way of finding peace.
The biggest part of finding a way to destress is allowing yourself to find ways to do so. Lean into those who love you and find those magnificent moments in the midst of all the madness.
Cover image from Pexels
