6 Daily Habits to Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Practical Tips for a Healthier Mind
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Now, let’s get to the topic at hand. At times, stress and anxiety can reach overwhelming levels. You may have felt the pressure of turning in an assignment on time or experienced an abrupt wave of anxiety before giving a presentation. Perhaps your stress and anxiety feel constant and unrelenting, making even simple tasks feel insurmountable.
To help you manage these feelings, we’ve compiled a list of daily habits that can reduce stress and anxiety.
1. Washing Dishes
Washing dishes? Yes, you read that right. Researchers at Florida State University discovered that washing dishes can positively affect well-being. In their study involving 51 students, they found that participants who ‘mindfully’ washed dishes experienced a 27% decrease in nervousness and a 25% increase in mental inspiration.
So, how can you practice mindful dishwashing? Focus on your senses:
- Notice the smell of the soap (even if it’s not your favorite).
- Pay attention to the warmth of the water and the feel of the dishes in your hands.
Grounding yourself in the present moment through these simple actions can help relieve stress.
2. Cuddling, Hugging, & Holding Hands
There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm hug or a cozy cuddle. These actions boost endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals, while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone.
The next time you have the opportunity, embrace someone you love—it’s a win-win for both of you. No one around? A plushie works too!
3. Make Good Posture a Habit
Are you slouching right now? If not, well done! If you are, don’t worry—there’s room for improvement.
Maintaining good posture has its perks. A study in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry found that sitting upright can reduce fatigue and improve mood. The researchers concluded that upright posture may increase positive affect, decrease self-focus, and reduce fatigue in people with mild-to-moderate depression.
Feeling tired or unfocused? Try sitting or standing with good posture for a few minutes—you might notice a difference!
4. View Stress as a Challenge
When we feel stressed or anxious, it’s easy to become discouraged. However, psychologist Kelly McGonigal suggests reframing stress as a challenge.
By adopting this mindset, you might find stressful situations less daunting and even see them as opportunities for growth. Ask yourself:
- How can I react differently to this situation?
- What can I learn from this experience?
This shift in perspective could make stress feel more like an ally than an enemy.
5. Meditate
Meditation is a tried-and-true method for reducing stress. If your day is busy and overwhelming, set aside just 5-10 minutes for mindful meditation in the morning.
Neuroscientist Gaëlle Desbordes found through fMRI research that meditation changes brain activity patterns, even when not actively meditating. These changes, particularly in the amygdala (the brain’s emotion center), can help you better manage stress throughout your day.
Start small and build your practice gradually—you’ll thank yourself later.
6. Go to Bed… On Time!
Sleep is essential for mental health, yet many of us don’t prioritize it. Sleep deprivation can amplify anxiety and stress by intensifying the brain’s anticipatory reactions.
If it’s past your bedtime as you’re reading this, consider this your sign to hit the hay. And if it’s not? Keep up the great habit of getting enough rest!
Will You Try These Habits?
Which of these habits will you start with? Do you already have any stress-relief practices that work for you? Let us know in the comments!
Remember, you’re not alone in dealing with stress and anxiety. a2z Post—and our amazing readers—are here to support you.
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As always, thank you for reading!
