It’s understandable if you’re experiencing more stress than usual lately. Two years of living through a global pandemic haven’t been easy on anyone. However, anyone who isn’t used to treating themselves may not know where to start when it comes to finding relaxation after a busy day. Still, finding ways to keep your stress levels down is essential if you want to be happy and productive on a regular basis. The good news is you can find plenty of inspiration online to help you decompress. If you’re not sure where to start, keep reading to learn about three great ways to relax after a stressful day.
1. Try using cannabis products like delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 products have been gaining significant attention in recent years, in large part due to the buzz created by enthusiastic consumers. More research is needed to identify the precise effects of delta-8 THC, and it’s always important to keep in mind that cannabis can affect everyone differently. Still, many people have raved about their experiences with products like these delta 8 gummies 500mg. Customer reviews describe the effects of delta-8 gummies as light, calming, and perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day.
If you’ve never used cannabis products like delta-8 THC before, you should check with your doctor before trying them for the first time. Your health care provider can explain how delta-8 could impact any health conditions you have or interact with prescription medications you’re currently taking. You should also be aware that delta-8 THC isn’t legal in every state, so you’ll need to check local laws before purchasing or using delta-8 products.
2. Spend some time enjoying nature.
Even spending just 20 minutes outside in nature can have a noticeable impact on your stress levels. Though there have been previous studies that demonstrated a positive correlation between nature and stress reduction, it wasn’t explained how much time needed to be spent outdoors or what types of activities would be beneficial. A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology has given us more specific data. In the study, participants were asked to go to an outdoor place where they could interact with nature for 10 minutes or longer. Researchers identified the drop in stress by monitoring cortisol levels, which is a stress-producing hormone found in the body. Participants had their saliva taken and tested before and after each outing, and researchers discovered that cortisol levels had noticeably dropped after each nature outing. Those who spent 20 to 30 minutes in nature had the largest drop in cortisol levels, with diminishing returns occurring after that point.
3. Take care of indoor plants.
Believe it or not, there is scientific evidence that owning and caring for houseplants can reduce stress, as well as providing other meaningful benefits. In a 2015 study, scientists found that having plants in your home can make you feel more comfortable and soothed. Participants were given two tasks: repotting a houseplant or completing a short computer-based task. Afterward, biological stress factors were measured. The indoor gardening task was found to lower the body’s stress response. Adding a few plants to your home might give you a relaxing ritual to look forward to every day.
When it comes to relaxation, we all have different preferences. Cannabis products are a favorite of many when they want to unwind. You can also opt for an accessible and eminently affordable approach: spending some time outdoors. If a hike isn’t for you, then bring nature into your home by caring for some indoor plants. Everyone is different, so it may take some experimenting to find the stress relief techniques that work for you. Whatever approach you take, it’s worth investing in your wellness by taking care of yourself after a tough day.
