- Darshana Ananth
Ways to De-Stress and Relax
Updated: Oct 5, 2021
From working towards our goals to catching up on social media, all of us are constantly living busy lives taking in so much content and experiences every day. As individuals having a 9 to 5 job, students preparing for finals, entrepreneurs planning out their next big project, we are hustling every passing day trying to get the most done.
In this process, we tend to neglect the self-care that we deserve. We keep stressing about the future and want to stay ahead of everything so that we’re prepared to face life. What we often forget is that we need to recharge in order to function our best. Just like batteries, we drain out after a period of time.
These days, the most difficult thing to do is to relax, literally! Our thoughts are all over the place like a hot mess! Ways to recharge and relax varies from person to person but the end goal is the same, to put you in the ‘zone’ and to make you feel good.
Social media detox
Constantly checking our phones and scrolling down feeds over and over again until there’s nothing left has become a ritual of sorts we perform every day. It is a kind of punishment we give ourselves in the process so that we don’t have to fear missing out on anything. This exhausts your mind and body without you even knowing it. So, put your phone on silent or DND mode and stay away from technology for at least an hour and concentrate on yourself without the interference of those notification bells.
Technology is great and all but it shouldn’t be something that messes with your peace of mind. The lesser the screen time, the calmer you ought to be. Leaving your phone in another room helps too. It’s about forgetting life’s rush and slowing down your pace.
A Night-time routine
Setting a nighttime routine where you follow a certain process to take care of yourself is also a great way to de-stress and calm the mind and body. It can be taking a warm bath, reading a book, skin-care, listening to your favorite music, anything that sparks joy in you.
When you start doing it every day, it becomes a little ritual that you perform before sleep. It not only benefits your mind but also makes you feel all ready to conquer the next day.
Treat yourself
Set aside time in your week to do something that you love. It can be going out with your best friends, chatting with family, watching your favorite TV show, playing video games, trying out a new hobby, treating yourself to a spa, anything that seems fun to you.
This will not only rejuvenate your mind and body, but it will also make your worries seem small compared to the good things in life. It is all about your mindset. When you are happy, it is all that matters.
The Happy hour
Being cooped up in your office or home the whole day suffocates your adventure spirit. Spare an hour in your day or maybe once in three days to go on a stroll by nature or your favorite park. Enjoying the little things around us and being appreciative warms your soul.
Enjoying a cup of coffee or tea or smoothie in a cafe reading a book or listening to some music soothes my soul. You can figure out what you like doing the most and spare at least one hour for it.
Go Solo + Reflection
Solitude is bliss. Being around people and connecting is all nice but once in a while, it is better to unwind and reflect on life by yourself. You can read a book, journal, listen to a podcast, or meditate.
There are so many ways to calm your wandering and restless mind. The trick is to concentrate on one thing at a time. Meditation is a great way to relax and if it doesn’t work for you, yoga and working out are some other options.
Engaging your mind in an effortless task avoids your thoughts from going bonkers on you. This happens when you stay lazy and do nothing. That is why we often seek company and thus arises the constant need to be connected.
Spending alone time and reflecting on life brings forth integrity with everything around you and does wonders to your self-growth.

It is good to work hard, meet deadlines, crush your goals and hustle harder but you know what is better? A balance between your physical and spiritual being.
Take care!
Love, Darshana