10 Simple Ways to Chill Out and Lower Stress
- Kendra Horne
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 17
Let’s be real, stress is everywhere in our modern lives, and when you're feeling it, it seems like it's all-encompassing, wrapping around you like a heavy blanket that you can't shake off. It can creep in during the most unexpected times, whether due to work pressures, personal relationships, or the constant barrage of information from the world around us. But the good news is that there are countless ways to calm your mind and return to feeling like yourself, allowing you to reclaim your peace and control.
How does stress affect our body and mind?
Stress affects both mind and body, fueling anxiety, tension, and emotional exhaustion. It can feel like a relentless cycle, where the mind races with worries and the body responds with physical symptoms, creating a feedback loop that can be hard to break. This emotional and physical strain can trigger physical symptoms like headaches, muscle pain, and weakened immunity, which can further complicate our ability to cope. Long-term stress can disrupt sleep, heart health, and concentration, making daily life harder to navigate and diminishing our overall quality of life.
My journey with stress management
As part of my journey to improve my mental health and well-being, I have been actively practicing various strategies to reduce and manage my stress and confront it head-on, rather than letting it dictate my mood and actions. This proactive approach has helped me cope more effectively and empowered me to take control of my emotional landscape. Here are some techniques that I have found particularly effective, and I encourage you to try one (or all) of these whenever life feels a little too overwhelming:
10 Simple Ways to Chill Out and Lower Stress
1. Breathe Like You Mean It
Deep breathing equals immediate tranquility. Try the 4/7/11 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 11. Ensure you breathe through your abdomen and consider using essential oils to enhance your breathing practice, which can help calm your mind and ground you. I have found that practicing breathing while lying down can also be easier at times.
2. Write It Out
Feeling overwhelmed? Grab a journal and pour everything onto the page. It doesn’t have to be profound; just brain dump your worries and let them go. If you need some help to get started, try these easy-to-use journal prompts:
What is currently causing me the most stress?
How does stress show up in my body and mind?
What small steps can I take to reduce stress today?
3. Move Your Body (Even a Little)
Stretch, walk, or play a playlist and dance for two minutes. Moving around helps shake off stress, even if you don’t initially feel like it. For me, a quick walk with my dog around the block or to the mailbox is often all I can manage at times of significant stress.
4. Get Creative
Doodle, paint, create digital graphics, or rearrange your Pinterest boards. Engaging in creative activities gives your brain a break from overthinking. For me, adult coloring books are one of my favorite stress relievers, and they also make for a great activity to include the kids in, allowing you to tackle your stress while spending time with family.
5. Laugh at Something Stupid
Watch a hilarious video, send your friend the most outrageous meme you can find, or let yourself be silly. Laughter instantly lifts your mood.
6. Talk to Someone
A quick message or phone call to a friend can work wonders. You don’t even have to discuss stress; just connecting is enough. For many adults who are now living away from their best friends and family, this is something I often struggle with. A quick text exchange or phone call is usually enough to alleviate my stress and make me feel better.
7. Engage Your Senses
Take in a calming scent (like lavender, fresh coffee, or your favorite candle), snuggle up in a cozy blanket, or enjoy a warm drink. Simple sensory experiences can ground you quickly.
8. Rethink Productivity
If stress comes from trying to do too much, remind yourself: You don’t have to earn rest. Doing nothing sometimes is the most productive thing you can do. When was the last time you spent a Saturday afternoon in bed? Sometimes, I need some extra rest to support my mental health and wellbeing.
9. Make Small Moments Feel Special
Transform daily activities into soothing rituals, such as brewing your morning coffee at a relaxed pace, stretching for five minutes, or listening to a calming playlist while cooking.
10. Let Yourself Just Be
Forget the pressure to make productive use of your free time. Rest, scroll, watch silly videos, or lie in bed doing nothing without feeling guilty.
Conclusion
Stress affects individuals differently, so it may require some experimentation to determine what works best for you. What strategies do you plan to use for managing your stress? Share your thoughts in the comments below and continue reading here.
Additional Reading on Drifting Towards Simplicity
Additional Stress Mangement Resources
The content on Drifting Towards Simplicity is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment—please seek support from a licensed professional if needed.
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