Stress relief techniques that you can do at home

Practice deep breathing

Deep breathing is one of the easiest relaxation techniques that can be accessed at any time of the day when you feel stress mounting. Deep breathing can also be incorporated into most other relaxation techniques and is, therefore, important to incorporate into your daily routine if you struggle with stress. Practice deep breathing by finding a comfortable place to sit straight-backed with one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose and feel the hand on your stomach rise. Exhale through your mouth and feel the hand on your stomach move inwards. Focus on this rise and fall until you feel calmer.

Slowly relax your muscles from toe to head

Progressive muscle relaxation entails relaxing and tensing different muscle groups in the body in order to relieve muscle tension, which is often a symptom of stress. This technique can be combined with deep breathing to maximise stress relief. To practice progressive muscle relaxation, wear loose comfortable clothing and lie down in a peaceful place. Tense the muscles in your feet and steadily move up your body until your whole body, including your face, is tensed. After holding this position, steady relax your muscles from the face down to the toes. 

Practice mindfulness meditation

Mindful meditation emphasises the importance of being aware of oneself in the present moment, rather than being trapped in the worries of the future or the regrets of the past. Mindfulness meditation is often practised by repeating a single relaxing activity, such as deep breathing, to heighten one’s focus on the present. One way to practice mindfulness is by meditating in a quiet place and making oneself aware of the thoughts, sensations, smells, tastes and feelings of the precise moment and by focusing on that moment and only that moment.