When you think about relaxing, going to a spa and getting treatments there might be what comes to mind. Maybe a good massage, some shiatzu, or some hot rock treatments. Or you might feel so burnt out that you have the need for a vacation alone with a jacuzzi, like I did at this time 3 years ago.
While there are definitely ways to help relieve stress and burnout that cost money, that isn’t always necessary. There are ways to help with that, that are either entirely for free or for a very low cost. This post gives some suggestions that will hopefully help you.
The timing of this post can’t be more perfect. It’s a stressful time around here, and one of my kids was feeling incredibly overwhelmed and was on the verge of a meltdown. I turned on some relaxing music and had them sit down, close their eyes, and breathe until they felt calmer. They then got up and did some more things and when they got overwhelmed again, I instructed them to do it again. So I’m literally writing this with relaxing music playing in the background, as instructed in the post below.
When you’re juggling work, family responsibilities, and financial pressures, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Remedies like spa treatments and exotic vacations can certainly help you alleviate stress. However, they’re typically not budget-friendly.
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to relieve stress without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best natural stress relief solutions.
Practice Deep Breathing
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce stress is deep breathing. When you take slow, deep breaths, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the mind and body. Try the 4-7-8 technique:
- Inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds.
- Hold your breath for seven seconds.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for eight seconds.
Repeating this cycle a few times can quickly help you feel more relaxed and in control.
Take a Walk in Nature
Spending time outdoors is a proven way to reduce stress. A simple walk in a park or along a beach or nature trail can help clear your mind and provide a sense of peace.
The fresh air, sunlight, and natural scenery can do wonders for your mood and well-being. Not to mention, the cost can’t be beaten: free.
Meditate
Meditation is a powerful stress reliever. No need for expensive apps or classes. Just a quiet place and a few minutes of your time.
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing or on a calming mantra. If you find it difficult to meditate on your own, try guided meditation videos available for free on platforms like YouTube.
Practicing mindfulness throughout the day can also reduce stress. This means paying full attention while doing things like eating, walking, or washing the dishes.
Listen to Soothing Music
Listening to calming tunes can significantly reduce stress. Classical music, sounds of nature, or lo-fi beats are great choices.
You can find free playlists on streaming platforms like Spotify. To make it even easier to relax to the music, try listening with noise-canceling headphones or while lying down with your eyes closed.
Create
Creative expression is a fantastic way to relieve stress. Activities like painting, knitting, coloring, or playing a musical instrument can all provide an emotional release.
If you don’t have art supplies, printable coloring pages and inexpensive sketchpads can help you get started.
Keep a Journal
Recording your thoughts can be an effective way to relieve stress. Keeping a journal allows you to express emotions, track patterns, and solve problems.
Write about what’s stressing you out and how you might deal with it. Making a point each day of listing all the things you’re grateful for can help shift your focus from negative to positive.
Drink Herbal Tea
A warm cup of herbal tea can soothe the mind and body. Chamomile, lavender, and peppermint teas are known for their relaxing effects.
Brewing your own tea at home is cheap and can become a soothing daily ritual. To enhance your relaxation, add CBD to the tea.
Laugh
Laughter truly is the best medicine. To instantly lift your mood, watch a funny movie, TV show, stand-up comedy special, or even silly cat videos.
Spending time with friends who make you laugh can also add joy and subtract stress.
Try Aromatherapy
Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus scents have calming effects.
You don’t need an expensive diffuser. Placing a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or mixing it with a carrier oil for a do-it-yourself massage provides relaxation at little cost.
Reducing stress doesn’t have to be a stressful level of expensive. Even small changes can do a lot to melt tension and help you find a better balance in life.
