Who doesn't know it: things are chaotic at work, at home too, and you just don't know which way is up anymore. You feel stressed, grumpy, and terrible because you can't get everything done anyway. Yesterday, Monday, I was in such a bad mood and everything got on my nerves. But what can you do about it? Usually, you take it out on your partner. But that's a really bad idea – just a tip from me ;-). Over time, I've figured out for myself what helps in such a situation (and for me, it's not yoga or meditation!):
The best activities to reduce stress
Here I have listed activities that personally help me when my mood isn't the best and I feel stressed. Depending on how much time you have available, I have a few ideas here that usually help me well:
Diamond Painting
I came across diamond painting by chance. My daughter had received such a picture as a gift, and one evening after a stressful day, I wanted to help her a little. Since then, I have my own pictures that I do by myself. With this activity, I can switch off everything; I just have to stick these little stones onto the right numbers. They are usually really beautiful colors, although I have to admit that most of the pictures are totally kitschy, but it doesn't matter, it's the activity that counts for me. I usually have such a picture ready to hand in the living room, and so I can sometimes switch off and find peace for just a few minutes. Definitely give it a try!
- Type of activity: Crafts
- Duration: can take just a few minutes
Extra tip: I ordered these diamond painting pictures on Amazon: Diamond painting pictures
Take a full bath
When I have a bit more time, I love taking a full bath. Definitely add good scents to the warm water; feel free to invest a little more here. The lighting should also be adjusted; if you have it, you can dim it, or if you have even more time, you can set up candles. You can also apply a face mask or try a hair treatment here. If there are children and your partner is there, lock the bathroom door and enjoy the peace.
- Type of activity: Wellness
- Duration: plan for at least 30 minutes
Extra tip: I treat myself to these bath additives, that smell good.
Go out into nature
A walk outside can work wonders and lift your mood. Be mindful here, enjoy the flowers or animals. If you want to incorporate some exercise, you can go with walking poles or go running right away. It is important that you can switch off and clear your head. Just dress appropriately and go out, even if it's only for a few minutes.
- Type of activity: Exercise
- Duration: plan for at least 15 minutes here too, rather 30 minutes including getting dressed in winter
Extra tip: I like to use my walking poles
Work in the garden
Nature is really a very good help here. If you have one, you can tinker around on your balcony or in the garden. It helps me to be in the garden and work a little. The best thing is to plant flowers or grow vegetables. Keep pinching things off, observing, or thinking about what else you want to plant or change. Also, taking care of the animals in the garden. Filling birdhouses, setting up water, or hanging up insect hotels and observing them again and again, I find very relaxing. Take a look around again and again, enjoy beautiful things like flowers or trees.
- Type of activity: Exercise
- Duration: plan for at least 15 minutes here too, rather 30 minutes
Read books
Reading books is a wonderful way to think yourself into another world. Make sure to read the 'right' book, perhaps a novel or something funny. Don't choose a book where things are sad, because it's supposed to lift your mood. You can also clear your head and reorganize your thoughts nicely. I like to read in the evening; it calms me down and can also be done on the side, for example, when the children are getting ready for the night.
- Type of activity: Resting
- Duration: plan for at least 10 minutes
Extra tip: feel free to get some really nice novels, they are good for the soul.
Painting
I also got into painting through my daughter. I often sat with the children, they did their homework, and I painted on the side. That calmed me down wonderfully and also distracted me. In the meantime, I have my own coloring book for adults and keep painting in it. I really like choosing beautiful colors to color in the pictures, although I often get tips from my daughter; she just has the best ideas when it comes to colors.
- Type of activity: falls under crafts
- Duration: can take just a few minutes
Extra tip: I treated myself to an anti-stress coloring book for adults.
Indulge in memories
What I also find nice is browsing through old photo albums or photo books. Evoking beautiful memories helps to improve your mood. It's great to look at old childhood pictures of yourself with your own children; sometimes I've laughed to tears at how my children comment on old photos. My favorite sentence from my – then very small – daughter was so far: "Mom, did you already have electricity??"
- Type of activity: Resting
- Duration: can take just a few minutes
Meet friends
My absolute highlight: meeting up with friends. It doesn't matter whether you go for a walk or sit together comfortably. It very often replaces a therapy session. You chat about everything, just as you can only chat with your best friends. Often, through talking, you come up with solutions or are simply relieved because you have finally spoken things out. I always feel much better after a meeting with my friends and really appreciate that I have them! But unfortunately, that's not always possible, and you often have to plan longer to make a meeting happen. Just stick with it and be spontaneous, maybe combine activities? Shopping for things? Then maybe together? Or meet on the train after work?
- Type of activity: definitely wellness
- Duration: unfortunately more elaborate, but priceless!
Extra tip: A classic with Prosecco and snacks or chocolate – a must ?
Read also:Â How can a housewife get through the Christmas season stress-free?
Photos by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
