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5 Tips To Relieve Stress Quickly By Using Your 5 Senses

Posted by Kelsey Juntwait on

We all experience stress to some degree. It's a physical and emotional reaction to the day-to-day challenges we all face.

But that doesn't mean that stress isn't a huge inconvenience in every aspect of our lives...

And it also doesn't mean that we don't want to find ways to relieve stress quickly!

Is it normal to be stressed?

First, it's important to remember that some degree of daily stress is absolutely normal!

For example, there's no need to worry about the stress that results from an argument with your partner. Or the stress that comes from an overwhelming day at the office.

That's "normal" stress!

(Although we still understand the urge to relieve said stress as quickly as possible!)

How much stress is too much stress?

When stress actually becomes a problem is when someone experiences chronic and long term stress. Essentially, that's when a person deals with intense and consistent stress that lasts longer than 3 months.

This is when stress — no matter how often you attempt any and all tips to *relieve stress quickly* — starts having a large negative impact on your daily life.

What are the signs and symptoms of stress?

Some signs and symptoms of stress include:

  • Irritability and impatience
  • Unusually wound up
  • Overwhelmed by things
  • Increased anxiety
  • Racing thoughts, inability to "turn your brain off"
  • Bouts of depression
  • Uninterested in life and usual activities 
  • Feeling increasing lonely
  • Mental health issues get worse
  • Panic attacks
  • Sleep problems
  • Gut issues
  • Headaches and migraines
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pains
  • Heartburn
  • Sudden weight gain or sudden weight loss
  • Skin issues

And these signs and symptoms of stress are only exacerbated with time — so chronic stress can aggressively disrupt someone's normal life.

Unless you know the techniques and tips to relieve stress quickly.

How can someone relieve stress quickly?

Learning how to relieve stress quickly can be extremely helpful in avoiding the long term physical effects of chronic stress.

And being in-tune with your body — as well as recognizing how your body reacts to stress — will help you be able to recognize when you are experiencing more-than-usual levels of stress in your life.

So if any of the above signs and symptoms start getting much worse than usual, it may be time to implement these simple ways to relieve stress quickly.

But before we go into those tips, it's important to mention that we all have different external responses to stress. 

Biologically we all have the same bodily responses to stress — shallow breathing, an increase in heart rate, high blood pressure, etc.

Unlike that internal response, our external responses to stress will vary.

If you're the type of person that becomes angry, agitated, or overly emotional when stressed, you'll likely respond best to stress relief activities that center you and calm you down.

This includes things like:

  • Mindful meditation
  • Taking a deep breath
  • Doing yoga

Alternatively, if you're the type of person that becomes depressed, withdrawn, or spaced out when stressed, You'll likely respond best to stimulating and energizing stress relief activities.

These include things like:

  • Getting some exercise
  • Listening to uplifting music

One method to keep in mind when quickly relieving ANY stress is to be sure to channel your five senses.

Some experimentation may be required to find which sensory experience may pull you out of your rut the quickest.

But once you’ve explored a variety of sensory experiences — and have found which suits you and your body best — you'll have this in your toolbox forever.

5 Tips To Relieve Stress Quickly By Using Your 5 Senses

Relieve Stress Quickly With Touch

  • Pet a dog or cat
  • Get comfortable in a cozy blanket or sweater
  • Hug a loved one
  • Get a weighted blanket
  • Submerge your face in an ice bath

Relieve Stress Quickly With Smell

  • Smell some flowers
  • Get outside and enjoy some fresh air
  • Put on your favorite perfume
  • Buy a new candle
  • Use aromatherapy

Relieve Stress Quickly With Sound

  • Sing or listen to your favorite song
  • Listen to some nature sounds (i.e. birds singing or waves)
  • Listen to an uplifting podcast
  • Put on a meditation to follow along

Relieve Stress Quickly With Taste

  • Indulge in a piece of dark chocolate
  • Sip on a hot cup of coffee or tea
  • Make and eat a favorite dish
  • Order from your favorite restaurant

Relieve Stress Quickly With Sight

  • Spend some time in nature taking in the beauty of the outdoors
  • Look at a picture of when you were really happy
  • Watch a funny movie
  • Put a puzzle together
  • Go on a long drive

Relieve Stress Quickly With Somatic Exercises

It's no secret that our body takes a hit when we are stressed out. And many people make the mistake of separating the mind and body when considering treatment for this stress.

But that's the worst thing to do when it comes to taking care of your entire being.

One easy way to consistently make sure that you're relieving stress as quickly as possible is by starting a somatic exercise program. So you can treat your psychological stress at the same time you're treating the physical ailments it's reaping on your body.

Find out where your exact stress is being stored in your body!! ⬇️