12 Relaxation Ideas for Full Time Bloggers

There’s a common misconception about full-time bloggers and their stress levels which are, apparently, non-existent.

Well, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Just because a full-time blogger may work remotely or from home doesn’t mean they don’t have deadlines, tasks to organize or responsibilities.

In fact, this type of career choice is one shrouded in risk, adding to stress levels which puts health and wellness on the line.

If you’re a full-time blogger or just looking for relaxation ideas, try a few of these in this blog.

Destress with These 12 Relaxation Ideas

Aside from income uncertainty, deadlines and paid leave, creativity is another key pressure point for full-time bloggers.

Thinking up fresh content and tendering for new projects presents a whole new level of stress many people don’t even consider.

Anxiety and stress can lead to racing thoughts which hinder your ability to unwind and relax, only compounding stress levels.

Stress is a major contributing factor to chronic illnesses across the globe, so it’s important to look after your health and wellness first and foremost.

If you’re looking for the best ways to relax, here are 12 simple ways to destress…

1. Try Controlled Breathing

Breathing, seriously? How can this really help to lower stress levels? Believe it or not, controlled breathing exercises are a proven method to help re-center your thoughts.

Controlled breathing is a great way to clear your mind, bring yourself back into the present moment while releasing tension from your body.

While there are a number of effective breathing techniques to try, progressive muscle relaxation is a good place to start.

This technique involves tensing and stretching out large muscle groups while taking deep breaths in and out. It works best if you take some time to lie down and close your eyes while doing so.

Run through the major muscle groups in your body, including your legs, torso, arms and facial muscles.

If you’re short on time, you can do a simpler version of this exercise by tensing and releasing your fists while breathing deeply.

2. Sweat out Your Stress

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve probably heard it a thousand times – exercise is the ultimate form of stress relief.

There’s a reason it’s always mentioned as a form of stress relief because, really, nothing beats a good sweat and a release of feel-good endorphins.

Stress is a fickle mistress which makes you believe that loafing around on the sofa eating carbs will make you feel better. If only!

The next time you’re feeling anxious, put on your running shoes, get outdoors and move your body.

Mood-boosting chemicals such as endorphins and anandamide help to clear the mind and amp up energy levels. Therefore, it’s a great way to get a second burst of energy in your day if you’re feeling flat and uninspired.

Regular exercise also helps you to sleep better, and we all know, sleep is essential in managing stress levels.

3. Listen to Your Favorite Music

Music is a truly powerful instrument in changing mood levels, no matter your age or levels of stress. It has a way of triggering a flood of memories, often linked with happy, positive thoughts.

Various studies show that music is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress levels.

It’s even effective in reducing the stress levels of pre-surgery patients, the critically ill, those with neurodegenerative disorders and pregnant women.

So, the next time your stress levels are about to hit a peak, take a step back from your desk, put on your favorite music and have a dance break.

4. Engage in Aromatherapy

In a bid to take your mind off your stress, turn your home into a sanctuary for the senses.

Aromatherapy is a great way to sooth the senses by using refreshing scents to boost your mood and help melt away stress.

This can be done by lighting a scented candle, incense or using essential oils and a diffuser. Some of the best relaxing scents include chamomile, lavender, neroli, bergamot, and ylang-ylang.

You can even add some of these essential oils to warm bath or add them to a water bottle to spritz around the room or onto your skin.

5. Treat Yourself

Stress can contribute to all sorts of ailments in the body, including tense muscles and all the aches and pains associated with that.

If your budget and schedule allow for it, diarize a day where you treat yourself to a complete pamper package.

Book yourself into a spa, opt for a full-body massage and a long soak in spa bath afterward. A large part of looking after your mental well-being includes taking care of your physical self.

If you simply don’t have the budget for a spa day, treat yourself in the comfort of your own home. Take a long soak in the bath, apply a face mask and play some relaxing music.

6. Enjoy a Calming Meal

Emotions and food are intrinsically connected. The minute most people feel stressed, they tend to reach for comfort foods.

At the moment it may make you feel better. But in the long-term, this is a dangerous way of feeding your body and addressing your stress levels.

Instead of reaching for high-sugar, high-carb snacks throughout the day, make an effort to enjoy a healthy meal packed with nutrients.

Herbal teas are also a fantastic option to help manage stress levels. Some of the best teas for de-stressing include chamomile, Linden, Valerian and green tea.

Believe it or not, dark chocolate is also a great de-stressor for the body. Packed with anti-oxidants, it helps to lower stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine.

Foods high in tryptophans, an essential amino acid, also help to lower stress levels. Just some of these foods include cheese, nuts, chicken, turkey, and soy.

For an alternative, yet completely natural form of relaxation, turn to CBD oil – click for more information on this product.

7. Learn to Meditate

Meditation is fast-becoming one of the most popular ways to declutter your thoughts and re-focus your mind.

However, it still holds a few misconceptions. Meditation is not all about a high-powered spiritual pursuit or magical transcendence.

Essentially, meditation can be about whatever you want it to be. Meditation is also known as mindfulness and is beneficial to all those that practice it.

Take some time for quiet introspection, find a peaceful spot in your home, a nearby park, at the beach or even in your car.

You only need 10-15 minutes per day, generally early in the morning to help re-center your thoughts and generate a positive energy.

Breathing meditations are also great for reducing anxiety on the spot. Breathe deeply through your nose, exhale through your mouth and make sure to clear your mind as much as possible.

While doing so, focus on a mantra or positive phrase and try repeating this to yourself as you breathe.

8. Try Acupressure

A little different from your standard massage therapy, acupressure is based on an ancient Chinese therapy using pressure points.

Therapists work to release tension and what is known as ”unblocked” energy from the body using acupressure techniques.

While acupressure can be done on yourself targetting specific pressure points in the body, going to professional can have unlimited positive effects.

During acupressure sessions, these therapists focus on specific pressure points to ease anxiety and encourage a state of calm.

9. Go For a Change of Scenery

Nine-time-out-of-ten the environment you are in on a day-to-day basis can the main source of stress in your life.

If you work in an environment which is cluttered, noisy, unorganized or even too stuffy this can directly contribute to stress levels.

All of these outside distractions can take away from your productivity and ultimately add to your anxiety.

If your work environment is an unorganized mess, take some time to sort it out. Otherwise, change up your work environment where possible to boost your mood and your creativity levels.

10. Take a Power Nap

The beauty of being a freelance worker, such as a full-time blogger, means that you are your own boss. You know what else this means? Naps.

You aren’t bound by anyone’s schedule or work hours but your own. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, a power nap can honestly do wonders.

Set time aside during the day and take a 15-20 minute power nap to recharge your brain and unload a mountain of stress.

Sleep is incredible for the body, and sometimes, that’s all your brain really needs. Make sure to set an alarm though, as too long a nap can totally ruin your productivity for the rest of the day!

11. Recharge with Vitamin D

Many people underestimate the power of vitamin D on the body. It’s one of the most directly powerful tools for stress relief.

If your stress levels are high, take some time and head outdoors into the sunshine. Take a cup of tea with you and soak up those powerful rays of goodness.