What Really Helps You Relax? – Sorting Out the Stress Relief Trends
- Brainz Magazine
- May 1
- 5 min read
Marco Benavides is a Retired and Disabled Military Veteran, Entrepreneur, Visionary and Philanthropist. He is a Minority Business Owner, Published Author and Motivational Public Speaker. He is the CEO and Founder of Holy Spirit Ministry Foundation, and in 2024, he was acknowledged as an Honored Listee in the Marquis Who's Who Publication.
Ever tried relaxing so hard you forgot how to stress? This doesn’t happen overnight. Life loves throwing lemons at you. Not the fresh but the rotten ones, workload, money problems, responsibilities, taunts. All these can lead to a strike of stress.
Research shows that about 7 out of 10 people feel it daily. (APA)
But here’s the good news: relaxing isn’t complicated. We make it one, and it’s normal since our minds stay occupied with lots of stuff.
So, first, why not give your brain a break?
If you want to relax, try to take a deep breath, work out, get aromatherapy, a digital detox, and try the safest vape.
Why is everyone looking for stress relief right now?
Stress levels are higher than ever.
75% of adults report moderate to high stress levels as per APA.
Work stress is a top reason- 67% of employees feel burnout, Gallop study.
49% say stress has affected their behavior, American Psychological Association APA.
APA has highlighted some of the top causes of day-to-day stress, which include:
Health
Economy and Money
Responsibilities
Personal Safety and
Discrimination
Because of this, the wellness industry is booming.
Top 4 stress relief trends people swear by
Mindfulness and meditation
This is all about being present.
Mindfulness and meditation help you redirect your thoughts away from worrying about anything. It can be past or future.
Instead, they make you appreciate the current good stuff that happens around you.
Mindfulness can lower stress levels and improve mental health.
As per research by Harvard University,
“A 15-minute daily meditation can help change your brain and improve your health.”
It can promote feelings of calm and reduce anxiety.
However, we suggest you start with as little as 5 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration.
You can use apps like:
Headspace
Calm
Healthy Minds
Such apps offer different short sessions that you can do anywhere:
On a break at work
During commute
Just before bed
Physical movement
A very recommended tip to help you relax.
A workout allows your body to go through a series of chemical reactions. One of them is releasing endorphins.
They are the feel-good hormones that create a natural boost in mood. Result: You feel relaxed.
This doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon. Simple activities like:
Yoga: 15-60 minutes. 2-3 times a week.
Running: 20-30 minutes. 2-3 times a week
Cycling: 20-30 minutes. 2-3 times a week.
Dancing: 20-45 minutes. 2-3 times a week.
Brisk walk: 20-30 minutes. 3-4 times a week
All these are efficient.
If you sit for long periods, stretching is a quick way to free tension. Simple desk stretches:
Ease stress and
Prevent muscle stiffness
If you’re feeling restless or having high energy, try any form of movement. It can help you unwind.
Aromatherapy and essential
The use of scents is the hero.
Aromatherapy uses fragrances. This works to trigger relaxation and a sense of calm. Such fragrances originate from plant extracts and essential oils.
As per research,
“Inhaling scents can change moods and boost emotional wellness, calmness, and relaxation.”
Some popular essential oils for aromatherapy are:
Lavender
Ylang-ylang
Lemongrass
Rosemary
Eucalyptus oil
Peppermint
Lemon
Patchouli
Bergamot orange
Besides relaxation, aromatherapy and essential oils can:
Reduce other disorders like headaches and
Improve sleep quality
Try to add aromatherapy regularly to your routine. You can do it in other ways, such as oil diffusers and scented candles, besides essential oils.
Give this session 60-90 minutes to help you unwind.
Digital detoxing
Our world is super hyper-connected.
We spend a lot of time plugged into devices, be it:
Phones
Tablets
Computers
If the screen time becomes excessive, it can impact your mental health. A study suggests that:
“Constant engagement on social media can cause increased levels of stress”.
To avoid this, you need a digital detox.
Now, what is it?
A digital detox is like taking a break from devices. This helps you recharge your mental and physical health. It allows your mind to reset and helps improve focus.
Start with small steps.
Unplug for an hour in the evenings
Have a phone-free day on weekends
Use this time to explore other activities like reading, painting, or bonding with your loved ones.
Even a short break from screens can refresh your mind and lower stress levels.
Vaping for relaxation
Vaping emerged as a trendy way for many to unwind.
The reason?
One survey highlights that “44% of smokers consider vaping containing toxins than smoking.” FDA also suggests the same result.
This works to motivate people to try vaping. Moreover, vapes have several benefits, like:
Flavor variety
Different types of devices
Adjustable options
Advanced features
Among them, flavor variety and ingredients in juices have a big impact on relaxation. For instance:
How to get started with vapes?
Vaping helps you relax. But you must use it responsibly to avoid health risks like lung disorders and breathing issues.
Right device:
Beginners: Start with a disposable. It’s easy to use, and no setup is needed.
Advanced users: Try mods or refillable devices. They have more control over flavors and nicotine.
Nicotine strength:
Non-smokers or nonvapers: Start with 0mg nicotine. Then, go up gradually.
Heavy smokers: Start with high nicotine, like 12 to 20mg. Then reduce over time.
Pick relaxing flavors:
Menthol: The cooling sensation that soothes your mind.
Fruity: Sweet-tart flavors like berries or watermelon for a refreshing burst.
What actually works to help you relax?
There are several methods to relieve stress.
But it’s wise to look for the ones that truly fit your lifestyle and suit you.
Stress relief is a personal journey. So, one-size-fits-all doesn’t work here.
Try a mix
Find the right mix of activities.
You may like pairing meditation with exercises like a mindful walk in nature or a yoga session.
You can also try to combine digital detox and vaping for me-time.
Experiment with different combinations. See what works for you.
Consistency over perfection
It’s not about perfection. What counts is consistency.
Just do a little bit every day. For example:
5 minutes daily > 1 hour once a month.
This is enough to get you big benefits over time.
Don’t compare
Remember that everyone has a unique way of handling stress.
Don’t compare your journey with someone else's. What helps your friend may not work for you. That’s okay.
Focus on your:
Experience
Preferences
Frequently asked questions
What are 5 things you can do to relax?
Here are some quick relaxation tips: deep breathing, take a walk, get aromatherapy, digital detox, and vape.
How to calm down and relax quickly?
If you want to calm down quickly, then count to 10, relax your muscles, drink herbal tea, and limit caffeine.
Why am I unable to relax?
Reasons like stress, unresolved emotions, poor sleep, mental health issues, and excessive screen time can prevent you from relaxing.
How to calm down extreme anxiety?
Breathing exercises, physical activity, aromatherapy, and digital detox can help calm down your anxiety.
Read more from Marco A. Benavides
Marco A. Benavides, Visionary and Philanthropist
Embarking on a transformative journey to the United States at just six years old, Marco A. Benavides, a proud individual of Mexican descent, now radiates wisdom and compassion at 51 years young. With a loving family of four extraordinary teenagers by his side, he distinguishes himself as a Spiritual guide, channeling the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to offer profound counsel. A beacon of hope in today's world, he champions mental health awareness and empowers others to forge a meaningful connection with the divine, inspiring them to lead lives filled with purpose and productivity.
