Reduce Stress Chicago
By: Deb Klecha
There is no doubt that we live in a hectic and often stressful world. We have many—often competing—obligations. Everything has an associated start time, and, if you live in Chicago, there WILL be traffic. And when you arrive at your destination, waiting in line is expected.
There are varying levels of stress associated with all of this that manifest in different ways. We may be prone to illness or injury, we may be irritable with those around us, or we may withdraw and isolate. Often we accept these effects as facts of daily life and don’t give them a second thought. But every once in a while, they build up to a point that is undeniable or avoidable.
At this point we look for solutions, and the suggestions offered may seem impractical due to accessibility (time, money, etc.) Ironically the very factors that generate a need to relax prevent us from relaxing! But this doesn’t have to be the case.
Here are 10 quick, accessible ideas that may reduce stress in your life:
1) Yoga Pose
Notice I did NOT say “Yoga Class” so your objections in terms of time and money are not valid here. I am only suggesting that you find a simple pose online that you can use anywhere for a few seconds to reduce anger or anxiety. Totally doable, right?
2) Deep Breaths
Can be done anywhere, anytime. I suggest 3 of these because 1 is too few, and 5 will seem too daunting in your hectic schedule. But go ahead and prove me wrong. Go for 10! Remember, deep breathing helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
3) Stop and Smell the Roses
Cliché, right? But I think there is something to this….beyond the stopping. It has been proven time and time again that our olfactory sense is a powerful one. So I am suggesting not only that you push pause, but that you pick a scent (flowers, pine trees, cinnamon, fresh-baked cookies, incense etc) that you love and make it your go-to in times of stress. And any of these can be purchased for a reasonable amount so accessibility doesn’t have to be an issue.
4) Close Your Eyes
This can accompany any of the other suggestions but can also stand on its own. Sometimes just shutting out the outside world in this way can be relaxing. Visualizing something peaceful can also enhance this of course.
5) The Sound of Silence
In a city like Chicago, there is constant noise, noise, NOISE. We become so acclimated that we may not notice until we are in a much calmer or quieter environment and then return to the City. All of this noise equals stress. So try an experiment. Shut off all noise for 5 minutes and see what happens. You’ve got 5 minutes, right?
6) Hum
I’ve never tried this one for relaxation personally. But I ask you this. Have you ever seen a stressed-out person humming? Time for Name That Tune!
7) Pick a Go-To Song
Different than number 6, this is about leaving the music to the experts. I am suggesting that you find a song that you feel is relaxing and have it accessible on your phone for instant listening. I like “Sailing” by Christopher Cross because it is a soothing song that also creates the visual of sailing, and it doesn’t get calmer than that, right?
8) Just Dance
You don’t need a night club, you don’t need to get dressed up, and you don’t have to have appeared on Dancing with the Stars, just crank your favorite dance tune and boogie. You’ll thank me later.
9) Get Re-Acquainted with Your Oral Fixation Phase
Ever wonder why people look so happy in a gum commercial? They are relaxed! Seriously though. Chewing gum can help temporarily reduce anxiety or stress. Ex-smokers have known this secret for years.
10) Squeeze, Release, Repeat
I’m talking stress balls. Get one. Or two. Keep them in accessible places. (I’m thinking your desk at work might be one go-to spot.) They are small, they are stress-relieving. They work.
I hope that one or more of these suggestions to reduce stress can work for you and that you notice your day-to-day stress level decreasing. Bigger overall stress reduction may call for more drastic life changes but these can help you in the meantime.
Stay calm!