So That You Are Not Always Tense, Here Are 7 Ways To Find Balance And Calm Yourself

Illustration of how to find balance and calm yourself (Unsplash/Jenna Anderson)

YOGYAKARTA – The tensions of life need to be balanced with feelings of calm and relaxation. On weekdays, you may have solved a lot of problems. Well, towards the weekend, there's nothing wrong with looking for calming activities like the following recommendations.

1. Meditation

Meditation can be done whenever you feel your body shaking, short of breath, and increased heart rate. By doing meditation that relies on the breath, you can lower your blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, and clear your mind. According to Julia Kogan, a Florida-based psychologist reported by Psych Central, Friday, August 26, practicing breathing for 5 minutes every day at the same time to get positive benefits.

2. Journal writing

A daily journal can help you identify difficult issues with thoughts and feelings. By writing in a journal, you can identify currents of consciousness and make clues in translating difficult emotions.

Illustration of how to find balance and calm yourself (Unsplash/Lenin Estrada)

3. Cry

According to a 2020 study, crying is a form of stress relief and emotional release. This can help lower the stress hormone or cortisol and regulate your heart rate.

4. Listen to music

Creating a music playlist is a great idea to help you feel better. Can be heard while driving, or relaxing at home while dancing. Music can be a powerful tool for calming down, according to a 2019 study. The study found that listening to classical music for 60 days had a therapeutic effect on students with anxiety.

5. Try the grounding technique

The grounding technique is done by activating the senses which can help you feel more 'grounded'. That is, you are not overthinking the future or haunted by past experiences. Some ideas for grounding techniques include reading a book, watching your favorite movie, relaxing with lavender essential oil, enjoying a cup of warm tea, cuddling your pet, or taking a warm bath.

6. Physical contact

A 2021 study suggests that physical contact can reduce stress hormones. This can be done alone, or not depending on others. Like placing your hands on your heart or wrapping your arms tightly around your shoulders to hug yourself.

7. Exercise or yoga

Light-intensity exercise, such as a morning walk in the park, can help you feel calmer. It could also be practicing yoga which has been shown to release feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, such as endorphins and dopamine.

Those are the seven recommended ways to build a more balanced life. On the positive side, you can be calmer and not always tensed to complete daily tasks.