Is stress eating you up and spitting you out? Here are five ways to mentally recharge at the end of your day, from letting your body bike out the tension to cooking a nutritious meal.
1. Go for a Bike Ride
Sometimes it just makes sense to embrace your stress-free inner child by jumping on your bike and going for a spin around your neighborhood or local park. Biking lets you fill your lungs with fresh air, raise your heart rate, better your balance and see things from a new perspective. If you don’t own a bike and live in an area with lots of bike paths and trails, check out cruiser bikes for women and men. They’re easy to ride and can handle various terrain types.
2. Spend Time With Your Pets
Make a point of hanging out with your dog, cat, goldfish or snake at the end of the day. Being in the company of beloved pets can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, flood your body with endorphins and strengthen your bond with the natural world. If you don’t have a pet, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Opportunites like walking a dog or grooming a cat are a win-win situation for you, the animal and the organization.
3. Enjoy a Soak
If your bathroom has a tub, fill it with warm water and aromatic soaking salts and step into your home spa. Water’s known for its healing and soothing qualities, and immersing yourself in it can help your muscles and brain relax and improve your sleep. If you don’t have a bath or hot tub at your home, think about treating yourself to a spa or hot springs visit. Better yet, ride there on your men’s or women’s electric bike and revel in fresh air and activity!
4. Watch a Comedy
From sitcoms to films, comedy shows induce laughter, and laughter relieves stress. When you laugh, you stimulate your heart, muscles, lungs and circulation, reducing physical stress symptoms. If you’re not one for watching TV, attend a stand-up comedy event, listen to humorous podcasts, research some of the world’s best jokes, get together with friends who make you laugh, or take an improv class.
5. Cook a Nutritious Meal
If fast food is on your mind when you leave work after a particularly stressful day, suppress that thought and head straight home to the kitchen. Cooking a nutritious meal and focusing on each step of a recipe can help you mentally and physically recharge. Select a recipe with ingredients known for their nourishing qualities and take your time preparing them. The simple acts of chopping, mixing and blending can soothe your mind and bring order to your scattered thoughts.
Now that you’ve read these five tips, are you planning on enjoying a soak or letting your body bike out tension? These ideas and many more contribute to renewing your mind, body and soul. For more ways to mentally recharge, browse online health and wellness resources.
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