Three Easy Steps to Reduce Stress in 2021

Just about everyone can agree that we are eagerly awaiting 2021. The past year has been trying, challenging, and let’s face it a game-changer. We had to adapt quickly to a changing world. We changed our homes into offices, schools, and gyms. Also, we learned how to celebrate, have meetings, and do happy hours virtually via technology. However, with a lot of change, there comes a lot of stress. There are many ways to alleviate stress. However, not all ways are healthy for you. If you are looking to reduce stress healthily in 2021, it is simple as one, two, three. In this post, I have compiled an easy-to-follow list to help you succeed in reducing stress in 2021. 

This is a collaborative post

1. Practice Yoga

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to add yoga to your life. Yoga is a practice that employs poses that help center your breath, thus calming the mind. You don’t need to enroll in a yoga studio, but you certainly can. All you need is a yoga mat and/or towel. There are many online resources that you can do a simple yoga class in under thirty minutes. Yoga, like an exercise, requires setting aside time and making part of your routine. One of the best ways to keep your yoga practice steady is to find an instructor online or offline that you like. Make sure you enjoy the instructor’s tone, music, and explanations. Just like any fitness routine, you will want to pair it with these simple mind and body tips.

2. Meditate

Over the last several years, meditate has been a buzzword from Oprah and Ariana Huffington to Bono and Katy Perry. Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention on one thing. Some people describe meditation as mindfulness. Even in this crazy world of 24/7 technology and the global pandemic, focusing one’s mind is within everyone’s grasp. One of the quickest and easiest ways to meditate and focus is to employ a mantra and mala beads. The repetition of the mantra while using the mala beads assists you and your breath to find stillness. For choosing mala beads, make sure they are aligned with your intention and goals.

3. Add a Healthy Hobby

With work, family, and your endless to-do list, you may think adding something is not going to reduce stress. However, adding the right type of healthy hobby can decrease your stress levels. Many people choose a physical activity to reduce stress. It is important if you opt for this route that you enjoy the activity. Don’t choose bike riding just because others do. If you don’t enjoy riding a bike, select something that brings your joy, and frees your mind. Many decide to go outdoors as this gets them away from technology. Others choose a creative hobby to reduce stress. If you enjoy music, perhaps learning to play the piano or guitar is your stress reducer. If you enjoy creating arts and crafts, perhaps your chosen stress reliever is painting, drawing, or knitting. Another idea is to learn more about how to play a strategic game such as chess to pass the time. Here you can read up on what Mikhail Solodovnikov has to say on the topic. This will get you more excited to learn and play the game in your free time.

As we enter 2021, let’s leave the 2020 stressors behind us as much as possible. And, when we encounter new stressors, let’s employ some of these steps to reduce stress healthily. Here’s to practicing yoga, meditating, and choosing healthy hobbies in 2021 and beyond.