When stressed, anxious, burnt out or heartbroken, you will want to blow off steam to unwind and feel better. Most people resort to aggressive shouting, throwing objects, destroying objects, binge drinking, binge eating, doing drugs, or transferring aggression into an inanimate object. These are unhealthy ways to blow off steam.
This article will provide you with some healthy ways to blow off steam in this article. Let’s get started!
10 Healthy Ways to Blow Off Steam
Below are ten healthy ways you can relax and unwind.
1. Go to the gym
One healthy way to blow off steam is to hit the gym. Get involved in some weight lifting, boxing class, an aerobic dancing class, or guided aerobics.
Research has shown that exercise is a great destresser that helps refresh and calm down your soul. After a good gym session, you can take a warm bath to finalize the relaxation process.
2. Get a massage
Another healthy way to blow off steam is to get a massage. Massage relaxes the body by raising the temperature of the soft tissues and releasing hormones.
Massage stimulates a relaxation response in the body. It helps the body slow down and brings it from a heightened state of anxiety to a relaxed and calm state.
When your body is relaxed, emotions such as anxiety and stress are decreased. The position effect of muscles relaxing can also contribute to better sleep ad increased productivity.
3. Play sports
Engaging in your favorite sport can help you manage stress. Most outdoor sports can serve as great cardio exercises.
Cardio exercises cause your body to release endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that relieve pain and stress. It also reduces the levels of stress hormones, namely cortisol and adrenaline.
Most team sports also offer a great opportunity to socialize and bond with others. Hence, it is great for your emotional and social health.
4. Read a book
Reading is an excellent way to blow off steam because it can relax your body by reducing your heart rate and easing the tension in your muscles.
Furthermore, reading can also help you ease stress and assist with falling asleep.
Apart from reading a book, listening to podcasts is another healthy way to blow off steam.
5. Yoga and mediation
Yoga and meditation do wonders in helping you release pent-up emotions, which are beneficial for your physical and mental health.
The meditation and breathing technique in yoga helps to free your soul and let it relax and calm down. It calms both your soul and body. Additionally, yoga is good for your heart.
6. Visit the cinema
Visiting the cinema to watch some movies is another healthy way to blow off steam. Get to the cinema, grab a bag of popcorn and soft drink, sit back, feed, and watch your movie.
Movies are entertaining and lighten up your spirit, and the arrangement in the cinema makes it even more appealing and soothing.
7. Visit the beach for water sports
Going to the beach is known to be therapeutic and engaging in water sports is even more relaxing and therapeutic to your mental health. There are several water sports you can try out on the beach; they include canoeing, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins, and so many more. These sports are adventurous and super relaxing.
8. Go out with a friend
Whenever you feel like expressing your emotions, instead of venting out, meet a friend and talk. It can be a simple sit-out where you get to express yourself and release the hurt. Talking is therapeutic in helping us feel relaxed. Talk about it, and don’t lock it inside.
9. Play video games
One of the healthy ways to blow off steam is to play video games. Video games are competitive and entertaining.
They help in engaging your mind and brain, and it is an excellent tool for relaxation.
When you play video games, you become focused on the character, and this helps to strengthen your mindfulness and allows you to think outside your situation, which lightens up your burdens. If you are an indoor person, this is indeed an excellent tool for blowing off steam.
10. Dance to your favorite music
Over the years, music has been therapeutic and refreshing to the soul. One of the healthy ways to blow off steam at home is to play your favorite song and dance to it. In doing so, you are lightened and happy. Also, dancing is a form of exercise. So doing this process, you are also burning off some calories.
Conclusion
In extreme emotions, anxiety, and worry, it is advised that you visit a therapist for help. Instead of opting for unhealthy habits to relax, always choose the healthy ways to blow off steam.
These blow-off steam techniques are great ways to keep your mental health in check, but when it seems not to be working, you will need to consult professional help.
