7 Stress-Relief Techniques You Haven’t Tried Yet – #5 Will Shock You

Stress is an unavoidable part of modern life, and if you feel like you’ve tried everything to calm down—yet nothing seems to work—you’re not alone. While traditional stress-relief methods like deep breathing and meditation are widely known, there are many other techniques that can offer powerful stress relief.

In this article, we’ll dive into 7 lesser-known but effective stress-relief techniques, including one that might just surprise you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures or just need a quick reset, these stress-busting methods are sure to help you find your calm.

Table of Contents

1. Aromatherapy – The Scents That Soothe

Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses essential oils to promote physical and emotional well-being. The scents you inhale can directly affect your brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and stress responses. Studies have shown that certain essential oils can reduce anxiety, lower heart rate, and relax the muscles.

How to Use Aromatherapy:

Lavender: Known for its calming effects, lavender oil is a must-have for any stress-relief toolkit. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Add a few drops to a diffuser, or dab a little on your pillow before bed.
Chamomile: Often associated with soothing tea, chamomile oil can also help relax both your body and mind. Its gentle scent has mild sedative properties, making it great for relieving stress after a busy day.
Eucalyptus: If you’re feeling congested or mentally foggy, eucalyptus oil can help clear your mind. It’s known to improve mental clarity and promote a sense of relaxation.
Bergamot: This citrus-scented oil is often used to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety, helping you to relax and focus.

Quick Tip: Try using essential oils in different ways to find what works best for you. You can apply them directly to your skin (with a carrier oil), diffuse them, or add them to your bath for maximum stress-relief benefits.

2. Forest Bathing – Nature’s Calm at Your Fingertips

If you’ve ever felt more relaxed after spending time outdoors, you’re not imagining it. Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice that involves immersing yourself in nature to reduce stress and improve well-being. Studies show that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress, while also boosting mood and immune function.

How to Practice Forest Bathing:

Find a Green Space: Whether it’s a forest, park, or even your own backyard, spending time surrounded by nature can be incredibly calming. Aim to visit a place with minimal distractions (like a wooded area) to truly disconnect.
Engage Your Senses: Forest bathing isn’t about hiking or exercise; it’s about taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Walk slowly, listen to the birds, observe the trees, and breathe deeply to soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Mindful Observation: Pay attention to small details like the texture of the leaves or the sound of the wind. This mindfulness practice helps ground you in the present moment and reduces stress.

Quick Tip: Even if you don’t have a forest nearby, try to spend time in any green space. Parks, nature trails, and botanical gardens are all great places to practice forest bathing.

3. Laughter Yoga – Laugh Your Way to Peace

Laughter isn’t just for fun; it’s also an effective stress reliever. Laughter yoga is a practice that combines voluntary laughter with yoga breathing exercises. The act of laughing triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can help reduce stress and improve mood.

How to Practice Laughter Yoga:

Join a Class: Many local gyms and yoga studios offer laughter yoga classes. These typically involve group activities where participants engage in playful laughter exercises.
Practice at Home: You can also try laughter yoga in the comfort of your home. Start by laughing on purpose, even if it feels forced. Fake laughter can quickly turn into real laughter, and soon you’ll feel the stress melt away.
Breathing Exercises: Combine laughter with deep breathing exercises to amplify the relaxation benefits. Try laughing for 20 seconds while taking deep, slow breaths, then pause and repeat.

Quick Tip: If you’re feeling too self-conscious to laugh out loud in public, start by watching funny videos or listening to a comedy podcast. Laughter is contagious, and even watching others laugh can have a positive effect.

4. Digital Detox – The 1-Hour Break That Works Wonders

Constant connectivity is one of the biggest contributors to modern stress. Our brains are bombarded with notifications, emails, and social media updates all day long, making it hard to truly relax. A digital detox is a simple yet powerful way to reset your mind and reduce stress.

How to Take a Digital Detox:

Set Boundaries: Choose a time each day to completely unplug from all devices. This could be during meals, an hour before bed, or even the first hour after waking up.
Focus on Offline Activities: Use your detox time to engage in activities that don’t involve screens—reading, journaling, cooking, or spending time outdoors. This helps to shift your focus away from digital distractions and reconnect with the present moment.
Gradual Detox: If going completely offline feels overwhelming, start by gradually reducing screen time. Begin with one hour a day, then slowly increase the time you spend offline as you get more comfortable.

Quick Tip: Schedule a “no screen” zone in your house—like a living room or bedroom—where no devices are allowed. This creates a sanctuary for relaxation and face-to-face interaction.

5. Sound Bath – Let the Healing Begin

Imagine lying down, closing your eyes, and listening to soothing sounds that wash over you, creating a deep sense of relaxation. This is the essence of a sound bath, a therapeutic practice that uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce stress. Instruments like gongs, singing bowls, and chimes are used to create vibrations that help calm the mind and body.

How to Experience a Sound Bath:

Find a Local Class: Many yoga studios and wellness centers offer sound bath sessions. These typically involve lying on a mat while a trained practitioner plays various instruments to create a calming atmosphere.
Listen to Online Sound Baths: If you don’t have access to a class, there are many free sound bath recordings available online. Simply find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, and allow the sounds to envelop you.
Create Your Own Sound Bath: You can also create a DIY sound bath using calming music, chimes, or even apps designed to generate soothing sounds.

Quick Tip: To deepen the experience, incorporate deep breathing or meditation while listening to the sounds. This will help you enter a relaxed state more quickly.

6. Tapping (EFT) – Tap Away Your Stress

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping, is a form of energy psychology that involves tapping on specific acupressure points to release emotional blockages and reduce stress. Research has shown that EFT can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and stress.

How to Practice EFT:

Identify Your Stress: Start by focusing on the stressor or emotion you want to release. This could be a specific situation, feeling, or thought that’s causing anxiety.
Tap on Acupressure Points: Gently tap on various points on your face and body (like the top of your head, eyebrow, side of your eye, under your nose, and collarbone) while repeating a positive affirmation.
Repeat the Process: Continue tapping while repeating the affirmation until you feel a sense of relief or calm.

Quick Tip: EFT is easy to learn and can be done anywhere. You can use it to manage stress in real-time during stressful situations, like before a big meeting or presentation.

7. Breathwork – Unlock Calm With Just a Few Deep Breaths

Breathing is something we do automatically, but by consciously controlling our breath, we can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation. Breathwork can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve focus.

How to Practice Breathwork:

Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold for another 4 seconds. Repeat this cycle for 5 minutes to calm your mind and reset your stress levels.
4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds. This technique is especially helpful for promoting relaxation before sleep.

Quick Tip: Practice deep breathing anytime you feel stressed or anxious. The more you practice, the more automatic it will become, and the easier it will be to calm yourself down in stressful moments.

Conclusion

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but with the right tools, you can manage it effectively. From aromatherapy to breathwork, these 7 techniques offer new and surprising ways to reduce stress and regain your sense of calm. Try one (or more!) today and see which method works best for you. You deserve to live a stress-free life—take control and feel the difference!

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take for these stress-relief techniques to work? It varies, but many people feel immediate relief after just a few minutes of practicing techniques like breathwork or laughter yoga. Consistency is key—make them a part of your daily routine for long-term benefits.

Q2: Can I use more than one technique at a time? Absolutely! Many people find that combining techniques, like using aromatherapy during a sound bath or breathwork while practicing forest bathing, enhances the effects.

Q3: Are these techniques suitable for everyone? Most of these techniques are safe for most people. However, if you have any health conditions, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying new practices.