5 Quick & Easy Ways to DeStress

You've had the day from — well, you know where. Just about everything that could go wrong did exactly that. You're wrung out, exhausted, frustrated and ready to fall face down on the couch and not move for the next 12 hours. Try some of these instead.

1. Get Up and Move

I get it — this is the last thing you feel like doing. But I promise you'll feel better. So go ahead, put your walking shoes on, plug in your ear phones so you can catch your favorite podcast, and go outside. Just walk, breathe and relax for about 20 minutes. See, you already feel better!

2. Take Time to Indulge in Your Favorite Hobby

What do you enjoy doing? Woodworking, photography, cake decorating, gardening, scrapbooking, playing music? Whatever it is, making time for your passion helps recharge your spirit — and you feel calmer and happier. Hobbies activate the brain's reward system and give your mind a healthy escape from stress.

3. Unplug from Social Media

This is a hard one for many people to do, but it's wonderfully relaxing. You don't have to do it permanently, just give yourself a break for one evening and see how it affects you. You may be surprised at how relaxing it is. Constant connection can keep your nervous system in a low-grade state of stimulation that prevents real rest.

4. Sing

You don't have to be musically gifted to benefit from this one — this is good news for lots of us! Singing — tunefully or not — really makes us feel better. It boosts our confidence, reduces anxiety, and is a great stress buster! Singing also regulates breathing and activates the vagus nerve, which helps calm the nervous system.

5. Chew Gum

I know, it sounds pretty out there. But research shows that chewing gum actually reduces stress — easily and painlessly! Studies suggest it may lower cortisol levels and reduce feelings of anxiety. Remember, there are lots of ways to destress and feel better. Give one of them a try!