We are all susceptible to stress. The internet is aflutter with articles, posts and memes about the best ways to relax and relieve stress. So much so that people have started to get super creative with the ways you can try to de-stress.
By Elsa Tatam. Published 31 October 2022. Last updated 03 April 2023.
We have picked a handful of fun relaxation techniques for those of you who want to chill out but maintain a bit of character in how you do it.
Puppy yoga
With the name leaving little to the imagination, puppy yoga classes involve puppies exploring the yoga studio and participants as you try out different poses. Yoga has been proven to help improve muscle movement, boost blood flow and get your brain active- all in turn resulting in a decrease in your stress levels and enhancing your wellbeing. Now, add puppies to the yoga equation. Puppies can only have a positive impact as they can boost your serotonin and dopamine, calming and relaxing you whilst putting a smile on your face.
Kinetic sensory sand
Sensory sand is an interactive form of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (or ASMR), known for its physiological responses such as lowering heart rate and promoting an intense feeling of relaxation. It is a specific type of sand that is soft and crumbly, but also holds its shape when squeezed or pressed. Kinetic sand bends and cuts in a way that is entirely different from the sand you might find on the beach. Instead, the sand has a velvety smooth texture that feels nice between your fingers as you move and mould it (and bonus…there’s no mess).
Adult soft play centres
There is nothing like tapping into your inner child to release stress, and what made your weekend infinitely better as a child? Soft play centres. However, the fun needn’t stop just because you are grown up as there are now adult soft play centres across the UK. Often selling food and drink and offering the option to hire it out for your group, this is a great way to feel like a kid again whilst enjoying a few of the perks of adulthood.
A few we love are:
Power walk
Often coined the ‘Hot Girl Walk’ on TikTok, this is a simple and cheap way to feel more relaxed after a long day sitting in front of your laptop. All you need is music, a drink of your choosing, and a pair of comfortable shoes. With your playlist in hand, you just go on a walk until you reach 10,000 steps, allowing your mind to completely drift and get lost in your own thoughts. However, if you feel as though music won’t calm your headspace, you could perhaps listen to a podcast, audiobook, or even a meditation guide. Between the fresh air, a small treat in the form of your favourite drink and an easy enough goal of 10,000 steps, this has been reviewed by thousands on TikTok as ‘the best stress relief at the end of the day’.
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