We asked Pennsylvanians: How do you de-stress?
We all have those moments when we just need a breather—but in our busy everyday lives, we don’t always know how to take one. According to the American Psychological Association, 65 percent of Americans cited work as a top source of stress. Only 37 percent said they were doing an excellent or very good job of managing stress.
Follow these tips for creative ways to de-stress, whether you’re at work, at home, or at school.
At work
If you have a high-pressure, primarily sedentary job, the best way to clear your mind and decrease stress is to get moving. Take a walk outdoors during your lunch hour. Bring a co-worker along for conversation—no work talk allowed. If your commute allows it, bike or walk to work to start your day with a serotonin kick and fresh air. Alternatively, shut your office door and take a 20-minute power nap or meditation break.
At home
While settling down in front of the television seems like a go-to way to kick stress at the end of a long day, exercise has a host of endorphin-boosting, stress-relieving benefits. Take your dog for a walk or go for a light jog. Cultivate your green thumb with a little gardening. Bring music and go for a run through your neighborhood or along a riverfront. Set aside space in your living room for a yoga mat, and engage in soothing stretches to work your muscles and steady your mind.
Even doing household chores can be an effective way to get exercise and manage stress, because it burns calories and gets your heart pumping. Additionally, a clean and organized living space is sure to leave you feeling more relaxed.
At school
When you consider homework, exams, and social pressure, school can be a stressful environment for students of any age. Help your children to manage stress during the school year by encouraging them to follow a regular and healthy sleep schedule.
According to research studies, it’s not unusual for 30 or 40 percent of college and high school students to get six hours or fewer of sleep.