Being an adult can get stressful at times. There are just too many responsibilities to keep track of and countless work that you have to do. The tendency is that we work too much and rest too little. Although we think it’s what makes a responsible adult, that’s not always the case.
Being responsible and working hard doesn’t mean we have a free pass to neglect rest and self-care. No matter how busy we are, we still need time for ourselves. Otherwise, we’re risking our health and well-being.
Take some time off for yourself now and then. Make it a habit to spend an hour or two every day to get your mind off of work and focus on something else. It can be trying out a new activity, or simply catching up on sleep. Here are some relaxing pastime ideas to help you manage stress and have your well-deserved leisure time.
Read a book
Whether you’re a bookworm or not, reading is an effective leisure activity to de-stress and relax. A study found that reading can help reduce stress by 68%. That’s because it has the effect of lowering the heart rate and reducing muscle tension. With that, it is one of the fastest and most effective relaxation methods.
So get that book you’ve always wanted to read. Or if you don’t have any, there are a lot of books you can buy online. While reading, a cup of tea is also an excellent idea to help relax your muscles and calm your mind.
Watch a comedy movie
Have you ever heard of the saying that goes, “laughter is the best medicine.”? You probably thought it was just a figure of speech. But true enough, some studies can back it up.
Laughter has many beneficial effects for both the body and mind. The act of laughing reduces tension in the body and relaxes your muscles for up to 45 minutes. It also boosts the immune system, helping you fight off diseases and colds.
A study found that people who laughed a lot were able to outlive those who didn’t. With all the effects that laughing has on our overall health and wellbeing, that’s not hard to believe. Plus, laughter can help burn calories too. Laughing for 10-15 minutes a day can burn up to 40 calories.
Write
Commonly, people don’t vent out their stress to others. We tend to bottle up our emotions until they become too much to handle. This will cause negative feelings to take a toll on both our mental and physical health.
The best way to release these negative emotions is through writing. Studies have found that writing a book is an effective way to manage stress and relieve anxiety and depression. When you write down your thoughts, you’re clarifying how you feel, and you’re able to reflect on it. This is a healthy way of controlling and releasing your emotions. Plus, it also stimulates creativity and imagination.
Get a pet
Dogs are considered as man’s best friend. True enough, they provide companionship and love to human beings. People who own pets are found to be happier than those who didn’t. In fact, studies show that having a pet can help improve mood and reduce tension. Not only that, but it will also teach you lessons on responsibility, patience, and discipline.
It’s often difficult to escape our demanding jobs and maintain a work-life balance. But for the sake of your mental and physical health, make sure to have time for yourself. Start by trying out these pastime activities and embark on a journey to a healthier, happier life.
