Things I do to relieve my stress
- April Choi
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Now in my 30's, I have lived a lot of life, and there is still a lot of life to live. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it's essential to find effective ways to manage stress. Stress relievers are a must for my mental wellbeing. This past week was Spring Break for my school, and I had a lot of time to rest. I didn't travel, and I made sure to prioritize my health and wellness. The following is a list of some of the practices I incorporate into my routine to help alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
1. Prayer
Taking time to pray allows me to deepen my relationship with God, fills me with peace and comfort, strengthens my faith, helps me seek wisdom and direction, and helps me be more loving and full of thanks. When I rely on myself, I typically make tasks more challenging than they need to be. This leads to frustration, self doubts, stress, and anxiety. Leaning on God takes away a lot of these negative thoughts and helps me heal.
2. Quiet Time
Spending quiet time alone, with God, or with my husband helps me to recharge. Whether it's meditating or simply sitting in silence, this time allows me to clear my mind and focus on the present moment. Quiet time helps me increase self-awareness, improve concentration, and reduce anxiety similar to my time in prayer. It creates a mental space where I can process emotions and thoughts without distractions, leading to greater clarity and calmness.
3. Exercise
Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. I make it a point to engage in regular exercise, whether it’s a brisk walk or run with the dogs, a calisthenics session at home, or a workout at the gym. Exercise releases endorphins, which boost my mood and energy levels. Regular exercise not only reduces stress but also improves my sleep quality, increases resilience against stressors, and enhances my overall physical health. It can serve as a productive outlet for frustration and tension, leaving me feeling accomplished and energized.
4. Cuddle Time
Nothing beats cuddle time with my husband or our dogs, Oreo and Mocha. I love and embrace cuddling. This simple act of affection provides comfort and warmth, helping to melt away stress and anxiety. Physical touch also releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," which can lower stress levels and promote feelings of happiness and security. It strengthens emotional bonds and fosters a sense of belonging, which is vital for my emotional well-being. If you've heard of or taken the love languages quiz, my top love languages are quality time and physical touch. Cuddle time provides both for me.
5. Self-Care Practices
Taking care of myself is crucial for my well-being. Here are some self-care activities I enjoy or just need:
Taking long, warm baths
Getting enough sleep
Stretching to relieve tension
Listening to an audiobook
Watching a favorite show
Cleaning and organizing my space to create a calming environment
Getting regular check ups
Each of these self-care practices contributes to my overall mental and physical health. Warm baths can relax muscles and improve mood, while adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function and emotional regulation. In Korea, going to a jjimjilbang or bathhouse is a good place to rest and take enjoy a warm bath. Some also have rest areas where you can take a nap or sleep overnight. Stretching can alleviate physical tension, reading and watching shows provide a mental escape, and a tidy environment can reduce feelings of chaos and promote tranquility. Something that I like to do is have a show or an audiobook playing in the background as I do chores around the house. It helps me complete chores easier.
Getting regular check ups including going to the dentist for a cleaning, obgyn for screenings, optometrist for an eye exam, and hospital for a general check up are essential to make sure my body is functioning optimally. Thankfully, I live in a country where healthcare is relatively affordable for the average salary worker. Living in the United States, it was difficult to schedule an appointment and it was expensive. Living in Korea, I can typically schedule a same day appointment at a relatively low cost compared to the States.
Wrapping up my thoughts
Incorporating these activities into my routine has significantly helped me manage stress. Everyone's journey is different, so I encourage you to find what works best for you. Remember, taking time for yourself is not selfish; it's necessary for a balanced and healthy life.
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