5 Surprising and Weird Ways You Can Cut Stress Starting Today

I have some fun tips for you today that can help you feel more relaxed and happy – and less stressed – with almost no effort at all! 

I’ve been talking a lot about stress lately because it not only affects your mood, but also your health AND your results in a BIG WAY! 

Too much stress can make you feel hungry, depressed, anxious, and it can even make it hard to lose weight – or lead to weight gain! 

It also plays a role in health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, so it’s definitely worth doing what you can to cut down the level of stress in your life. 

Here are 5 offbeat tips:

 Tip Number One is to add some plants to your house! Studies show they help improve your focus and concentration and help filter the air in your house … plus they can help you reduce stress! 

Did you know that just walking into a room that’s filled with greenery can help instantly lower your heart rate and your blood pressure. Pretty amazing, right? 

If you don’t have a green thumb and always forget to water your plants, no worries – you can still use cactus and succulents to get the same effect... and they are more forgiving than a lot of other plants.

Tip Number Two: Fake a smile! I know this doesn’t seem very authentic, but smiling definitely can work to help change your mindset. 

As you know, science is always discovering more about our mind-body connection … and when you smile, it actually sends a message to your brain that makes changes in your mood, to match your facial expression.

 So if you frown, it can make you feel worse, and if you smile, you can actually feel better.  So, turn that frown upside down and smile! If it works, that’s great! 

And if it doesn’t, try one of these other tips... 

Tip Three  This was a fad a few years ago but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still try it for yourself! 

It’s COLORING. Yes, like when you were a kid. 

It actually helps relax your brain by refocusing your attention, so that you shift your focus outside yourself. 

And plus, there’s really no way to “fail” at coloring, so you don’t have any stakes in the game – even if you mess it up, who cares? 

Scientists say coloring is more relaxing for adults who enjoyed it when they were kids. 

There are lots of coloring books aimed at adults, with more complicated designs. Grab some markers, and see if it helps you feel more calm and relaxed! 

Tip number 4 is one of my favorites, and this actually isn’t a very surprising tip but I had to throw it in anyway. 

Playing with and patting your dog or cat helps you to relax. Basically, let go of your to-do list and spend some quality time with your pet, enjoying their company and having fun. 

They’ll appreciate your undivided attention ...and so will you! 

Go outside and throw a ball around with your dog, get out the laser toy for your cat, play tug of war, or just hang out! You’ll feel the stress begin to melt away.

 And now for Tip 5 … this one works two different ways… and is a little weird.

 It’s BLOWING UP A BALLOON! 

First … it will make you smile! Not only by looking at it, but the way facial muscles move when you blow up the balloon can mimic a smile. 

But the very action of blowing up the balloon will make you breathe in and out with big breaths, which works with your body’s autonomic nervous system to help you feel less anxious and more relaxed! 

So … maybe keep a balloon in a drawer in your desk and pull it out the next time you need a stress break. Maybe? Maybe not?

 OK, so those are a few of my weird tips. Let me recap them for you here: 

No. 1 is to add plants to your office and home.

No. 2 is to fake a smile.

No. 3 is to grab a coloring book and markers and do some coloring!

No. 4 is to play with your cat or dog, and

No. 5 is to blow up a balloon, to make you smile and use deep breathing techniques.

Personally, I think if you follow some of the tried-and-true stress-busters like breathing exercises, working out, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy foods, these offbeat tips could be a fun way to mix it up if you’re having a bad day. 

Want more stress relieving tips like this? This month, when you join the SimplyFit Club, you'll receive a free copy of my new ebook, UNPLUG!