As you unfurl your long to-do list, you instantly feel overwhelmed. And with all of your unanswered emails and endless responsibilities, you worry it would take weeks on a tropical island to ease your stress. While it’s easy to think “more is better” when it comes to relieving stress—that you need to devote ample time to anxiety-busting strategies—research suggests the brain can dial down tension and boost bliss in mere minutes.
“Rather than making an unrealistic time commitment to stress relief, focusing on little adjustments throughout the day enhances our well-being the fastest, according to neuroscience,” confirms psychotherapist Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Ph.D., author of Breaking the Anxiety Cycle.
Another perk of mini stressbusters is they reduce the hidden pressure women tend to put on themselves to relax in specific, culturally prescribed ways, adds psychotherapist Sally Stevens, LCSW, founder of Anchor Yourself Wellness. “For example, I have a client who feels like a failure if she doesn’t get to yoga class three times a week,” she says. “But we have to find more sustainable ways to relax on our terms, in small chunks, rather than waiting for our batteries to be drained.”
Read on for simple ways to take common stress-reducing strategies — from journaling to meditating to exercising—and trim them down to minutes so you can reap their calming rewards and increase your everyday joy…fast.
TAKE A ONE-DAY BREAK
INSTEAD OF A VACATION…
この記事は First for Women の June 12, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は First for Women の June 12, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
What's for Dinner?
Simple and satisfying meals to get you through the week
3 TRUE & UPLIFTING TALES
“I always looked forward to my afternoon break at work to get out for a walk.
TASTY WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR VISION
Keep your sight sharp with these delicious superfoods
10 BRILLIANT USES FOR DENTAL FLOSS
Ways to repurpose the waxy string
Simple ways to calm 'white-coat hypertension'
If stepping into the doctor's office sends your blood pressure soaring, you might be at higher risk for cardiac issues. Here, proven strategies to help you dodge anxiety—and safeguard your heart
COOKING, Simplified
Make meals effortlessly with these healthy, versatile and oh-so-delicious recipes
The Citrus Secret FOR SIMPLE WEIGHT LOSS
News: Compounds in citrus fruits break down fat, helping women blast 263% more belly fat. Here, easy ways to get the perks
Sweet Treats
Deliciously easy indulgences guaranteed to please
#1 WAY TO WALK OFF BELLY FAT
Turbocharge your workout with easy, fun do-at-home tips from fitness pro Denise Austin
Adding Sparkle to Every Day
with designer, women’s health advocate and TV host STACY LONDON