Stress has always been a problem for a large segment of the population, but it’s now reached levels that the APA is calling a “national mental health crisis” thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to data published by the APA, 78% of adults said the pandemic is a “significant source of stress.” Additionally, 67% of adults reported an increase in stress since the pandemic began.
If you’re feeling stressed, tense, or on edge, here are some fun ways to relieve that stress and feel better.
1. Read funny jokes and riddles online
The best thing about the internet is that it’s an endless source of humor. You can find funny stories, jokes, riddles, and videos anywhere you look.
Take a break from whatever the day demands of you and read the jokes and funny riddles on Keep Laughing Forever. You can’t feel stressed with corny riddles. For example, one of the best riddles is:
“Riddle: What animal turns about 200 times around its axis after it dies?
Answer: A roast chicken”
Some of the riddles are corny, others are clever, and some are just downright hilarious.
2. Meditate
Meditation has a reputation for being a spiritual practice, but it doesn’t have to be spiritual at all. You can use a meditation practice to calm your nerves, lower your blood pressure, and get your body out of the stressful fight-or-flight mode.
Depending on your preferences, you can meditate in silence or with music. If you prefer visualizations, you can find a guided meditation that takes you through walking through a park or relaxing by the beach.
You can meditate sitting up straight on the floor, sitting in a chair, or lying down on your back. There are advantages to sitting up since it’s harder to fall asleep. However, you can meditate while you fall asleep and your body will reap the benefits of falling asleep in a more relaxed state.
It really doesn’t matter how you meditate as long as you’re in a comfortable state, your body is relaxed, and you’re using your breath to control your stress levels.
3. Rebalance your workload
Studies about job-related stress have found that 46% of people say their stress comes from a heavy workload. That’s concerning because it means people are overloaded and employers are expecting too much from their team.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll have an easier time rebalancing your workload than if you need to rely on an employer to rearrange things. However, if you work for someone else and you’re overloaded, you need to speak up about the issue. Your boss may not know you’re overloaded and If you don’t say something now, the stress will only continue accumulating.
4. Watch a funny movie
Never underestimate the power of a good movie to heal your stress and overwhelm from a hard day of work. Whether you’re performing physical labor or mental tasks, watching a good movie can do wonders to help you heal.
The best kind of movies to watch are comedies that can make you laugh hysterically. Laughter has been proven to relieve stress and can improve your mood. There are other long-term benefits that include an improved immune system, pain relief, and a stronger sense of personal satisfaction.
Here’s a short list of some of the best classic comedies to consider watching:
· Elf. No matter what time of the year, nothing beats watching Will Ferrel play the role of a hilariously innocent and naïve elf.
· The General. A true Buster Keaton silent classic filled with hilarious stunts like tossing a railroad tie at another railroad tie to move it out of the way.
· M*A*S*H. the original movie is ten times funnier than the sitcom.
· Airplane!. One of the most ridiculous movies ever made.
5. Play with your animals
If you have a dog, cat, bird, reptile, or any other type of animal, play with them. They’ll love the extra attention, and you’ll feel better at the same time.
Petting an animal has been proven to relieve stress; that’s why so many people have emotional support animals. Both dogs and cats can provide an enormous amount of stress relief. However, you might find dogs more comforting since they’re less likely to turn around and swat you in the face out of nowhere.
You probably can’t snuggle with a hedgehog, so if all you have at home are exotics, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter to help take care of the animals.
Beat stress naturally
Before turning to prescription drugs for relief, try the ideas outlined in this article. The worst side effects you’ll experience are laughing uncontrollably and getting fur on your clothes.