There’s no denying that we’re living through immensely stressful times. Between a once-in-a-century pandemic, the effects of climate change becoming more apparent than ever and persistent economic anxiety, it’s a wonder that any of us are able to shut off our brains and unwind. Although there’s no magic bullet for relieving yourself of stress, there are a number of simple (and highly effective) steps you can take to clear your mind and set the stage for inner calm. As an added bonus, stress relief doesn’t have to be a drain on your time, energy or financial resources. Anyone on the hunt for convenient ways to de-stress from the comfort of home will be well-served by the following pointers. 

Create the Perfect Relaxation Space 

If you live in a bustling household, finding the perfect space in which to relax can be an uphill battle. For example, if you have noisy children or rambunctious pets constantly tearing around the house, peace and quiet are liable to seem completely unattainable. So, if your home currently lacks a good relaxation space, you may have no choice but to create one yourself. For starters, seek out any unused or underused spaces in your residence. Such spaces include – but are not limited to – seldom-used home offices, guestrooms, media rooms and large closets. 

Once you’ve located a space that won’t be missed, set to work turning it into your personal relaxation den. Furnishing the space with relaxing colors and adorning it with items that are important to you can effectively make this area yours. Furthermore, make it clear that when you’re occupying this area, you should only be interrupted in the event of an emergency.  

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help 

As any parent can attest, raising children can be relentlessly stressful. As rewarding as having kids can be, there’s no question that the various stressors synonymous with child-rearing can leave parents in a state of physical and mental exhaustion. Although the well-being of their children should be the foremost priority for any parent, this isn’t to say that they should skimp on self-care. So, if you need to take some time for yourself, don’t be afraid to ask your inner circle for help. For example, having your partner take charge of your little ones for a day can be a great way to recharge your batteries and enjoy some quality you-time. Alternatively, if you don’t have a partner, consider reaching out to close friends or family members whenever you need a little break from the pressures of parenthood.     

Reexamine Your Sleep Schedule 

Improper sleep habits can take a tremendous toll on your mental health and increase stress levels exponentially. As such, if your sleep habits leave a lot to be desired, now would be a great time to reexamine your nighttime routine. If you regularly get less than seven to eight hours of sleep, take care to create a healthier sleep schedule for yourself. Make a point of giving yourself a set bedtime – one that allows for the previously specified amount of sleep. Those of us who have become accustomed to falling asleep at odd hours may find this to be a bit of an adjustment, but after a few weeks of practice, settling down at a set time will seem like part of our usual routine.   

Consider Cannabis 

If you reside in an area where recreational marijuana use is legal, experimenting with cannabis may prove effective at reducing your stress levels. Keep in mind that different people have different reactions to different strains, so if you’re new to cannabis, it may be a good idea to consult with an expert at your local dispensary. Furthermore, finding the right strain for stress relief is likely to require a little bit of trial and error. Anyone looking to learn more about the legalization of cannabis would do well to consult their favorite search engines and seek out weed-focused online resources. 

No matter how hard you try, simply ignoring the myriad stressors found in the outside world is next to impossible. Considering how much stress most of us encounter throughout the course of daily life, there’s little wonder as to why peace and relaxation seem like such insurmountable goals. Fortunately, reducing your stress levels doesn’t have to be a harrowing challenge or an exercise in financial strain. With the previously discussed tips at your disposal, healthy stress levels are likely to become a lot more attainable.