Are stress and anxiety getting the best of you?
You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, stress is more common than ever — and finding simple, effective ways to relieve stress naturally can make a world of difference. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal goals, carving out time for mental wellness and relaxation isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity and having some strategies or stress relief activities at hand; that work effectively for you is always a good idea.
How to Manage Stress in Life
In this post, we’ll explore 15 fun and calming stress relief activities for adults that are proven to:
- Reduce cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Ease anxiety and overwhelm
- Improve your focus, sleep, and mood
From mindfulness to movement, these activities are perfect for anyone looking to reclaim their calm, have a bit of fun and create a more balanced lifestyle. So let’s get into it!
1. Nature Walks: Reconnect with Nature
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most powerful. One of the most effective ways to relieve stress is by stepping outside and taking a walk in nature. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through a local park, a quick lap around the block or a more invigorating hike through the woods, immersing yourself in the outdoors has a profound calming effect.
The change in environment, the scenery, and the natural sunlight naturally boost your serotonin levels, lifting your mood and helping you feel more at ease. As you walk, take a moment to notice the details around you — the cracks in the footpath, the design of the buildings you pass, or the way the open air feels on your skin. By tuning into these sensory experiences, you can let go of the stressors of the day and ground yourself in the present moment.
2. Colouring In or Doodling
Colouring isn’t just for kids — it’s a powerful stress reliever for adults, too! Adult colouring books, filled with intricate patterns and designs, have been shown to help reduce stress by enhancing focus and providing a therapeutic creative outlet. As you immerse yourself in the act of colouring, you enter a meditative state, allowing your mind to relax and focus on the soothing repetition of lines, shapes, and colours.
If you don’t have a colouring book on hand, don’t worry — doodling works just as well. Simply take pen to paper and let your creativity flow. Whether you sketch your thoughts, draw your dreams, or let your imagination wander, doodling offers a wonderful way to de-stress. It’s a form of self-expression that allows your mind to unwind, shifting focus from anxious thoughts to the calming rhythm of your pen on paper.
3. Visualisation Meditation for Stress Relief
I know, I know, everyone recommends meditation — but this one is different. There are two specific types of meditations I recommend based on your needs.
Firstly, if you’re in a heightened state of mind — feeling frazzled, jittery, or on edge — I recommend a guided body scan or progressive muscle relaxation. This will see you gently bringing your awareness to different parts of your body, releasing tension, and calming your nervous system one breath at a time. It’s a great way to reconnect with your body and feel grounded in the present moment, especially if your mind is racing and you need to slow things down.
- 20 minute body scan
- 6 minute Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation to Help Release Tension & Relieve Anxiety
If you’re feeling bogged down, too overwhelmed to focus, or just need an escape, my favourite type of meditation is a guided visualisation specific to your dream life. You’ll be gently led to imagine your ideal day — from the moment you wake up to how you feel, what you’re doing, and who you’re surrounded by. It’s not only calming, but incredibly motivating and expansive. This type of meditation taps into the power of your imagination and reminds you of what’s possible, shifting your mindset from stressed to inspired.
4. Play Board Games
Lighthearted games — whether it’s a quick card game, puzzle, or board game — can help shift your energy and lift your spirits. Engaging in play allows your brain to focus on something low-stakes and enjoyable, which can reduce stress hormones and bring a sense of connection and joy. You are able to take risks, make silly mistakes, and laugh it off without any pressure (unless you’re a competitive player like myself).
An added bonus is that when you play with family or friends, you’re strengthening your social bonds, creating shared memories, and sparking joy through genuine connection — all of which are powerful antidotes to stress.
5. Baking and Cooking to Relieve Stress
There’s something incredibly therapeutic about getting into the kitchen, putting on your favourite playlist, and creating something with your hands. Whether it’s baking gooey chocolate chip cookies or trying out a nourishing new dinner recipe, cooking can be a calming ritual that brings you back to the present moment.
When life feels a little out of control, following a recipe step-by-step gives your mind something structured to focus on. It’s almost like a form of meditation — measuring, mixing, and watching ingredients transform into something delicious. Plus, the smells alone (hello, cinnamon and vanilla) can work wonders in lifting your mood and creating a cozy atmosphere.
And the best part? You get to enjoy something tasty at the end — or share it with someone you love. That feeling of accomplishment paired with comfort food? A perfect little stress reliever.
6. Take a Relaxing Bath
Never underestimate the power of a warm bath — it’s one of the simplest (and most luxurious) ways to melt stress away. When your body is tense and your mind is racing, soaking in a tub can feel like pressing the reset button.
Light a candle, add some calming essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, and let the warmth do its magic. You can bring a book, play soft music, or just close your eyes and breathe. Baths help relax your muscles, slow your heart rate, and signal to your nervous system that it’s safe to relax. It’s your chance to disconnect, be still, and treat yourself with a little TLC — no guilt, no distractions, just calm. If you can, make it a weekly ritual. Your mind (and body) will thank you.
7. Gardening for Calm and Connection
There’s something incredibly peaceful about getting your hands in the dirt and tending to something that grows. Whether it’s a windowsill herb garden, a few potted plants, or a backyard veggie patch, gardening is a beautiful way to slow down and reconnect — with nature and with yourself.
The repetitive motions of planting, watering, and pruning can be incredibly soothing, almost meditative. Being outside in fresh air, soaking up a little sun, and watching something thrive because of your care? That’s powerful. Gardening also gives you a chance to unplug and be present. It’s a mindful activity that reminds you of the simple joys — like a sprouting seed, the smell of fresh soil, or a bloom you’ve been waiting for. And even if you don’t consider yourself a green thumb, the process itself is what’s healing.
8. Journaling to Release Stress and Gain Clarity
Have you ever felt like your mind is racing, but you just can’t seem to sort through all the thoughts? Journaling can help you release the mental clutter and bring clarity to your mind. The act of writing allows you to process your emotions, reflect on your day, and let go of any stress or anxiety you may be holding onto.
You can either do a brain dump — writing freely about anything and everything that’s on your mind — or follow gentle prompts that guide you toward reflection and release. Some of my favourite journal prompts for stress relief include:
- How am I feeling right now?
- What’s one small thing I can do today to support my peace?
- What am I holding onto today that I can let go of?
- What are 3 things I am grateful for?
- How I am working towards
Not only does journaling help manage stress, but it also allows you to gain insights into patterns of thought that may contribute to your stress. Over time, you’ll begin to see recurring themes and can adjust your approach to handling those triggers. Whether you keep a daily journal or write whenever you feel overwhelmed, it’s a simple yet powerful way to center yourself.
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- From Hustle to Harmony: How to Reconnect with What Truly Matters and Thrive in 2025
9. Play Some Soothing Music
Music has an incredible ability to shift your mood and calm your mind — almost instantly. When stress starts to build, try pressing play on a playlist filled with soft acoustic songs, instrumental piano, nature sounds, or calming lo-fi beats. The right music can slow your breathing, quiet racing thoughts, and bring you back to the present moment.
Whether you’re cooking dinner, stretching on your mat, or just lying on the couch with your eyes closed, let the melodies wash over you like a warm hug. Music helps regulate your nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and even improve sleep quality.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — just sounds that feel good to your soul. Try making a go-to “calm vibes” playlist and keep it on standby for those stressful moments when silence feels a little too loud.
10. Dance to Your Favourite Music
Sometimes the best way to shake off stress is to… well, literally shake it off. Dancing to your favourite music — whether it’s in your living room, your kitchen, or while folding laundry — is one of the quickest mood boosters out there.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got moves or not. What matters is that you’re moving your body, getting your blood flowing, and letting go of whatever tension you’re holding onto. Dancing releases endorphins (your body’s natural feel-good chemicals), and helps shift you from feeling stuck or heavy to light, free, and energized.
So hit play on that playlist that never fails to make you smile. Belt out the lyrics, move like nobody’s watching, and let yourself be completely in the moment. It’s fun, it’s freeing, and it’s one of the most joyful ways to reset your mind and body.
11. Digital Detox
Let’s be honest — we’re more connected than ever, but not always in the ways that serve us best. Taking a break from screens, social media, and constant notifications can feel so refreshing. A digital detox, even just for an hour or two, gives your brain space to breathe.
Too much screen time can overstimulate your nervous system, disrupt your sleep, and even heighten feelings of anxiety or comparison. Stepping away — even briefly — can help you reconnect with the real world around you. It might look like switching your phone to airplane mode, leaving it in another room, or turning off notifications for the evening. Check out our other blog post ‘How to Unplug in an ‘Always-On’ Culture for more tips.
Use that time to journal, go for a walk, read, stretch, or simply sit in silence. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer and clearer your mind feels when it’s not buzzing with updates and distractions. A little time offline can do wonders for your mental clarity and overall sense of peace.
12. Stress Cleaning and/ or Organising
Okay, hear me out — cleaning can actually be calming. When everything around you feels a bit chaotic, tidying your space is a powerful way to regain a sense of control. There’s something almost meditative about scrubbing a surface clean, decluttering a drawer, or finally tackling that corner you’ve been avoiding.
Stress cleaning gives your body something to do while giving your mind a break. It’s productive, physical, and can actually help release tension — plus, the reward is immediate. A tidy space often leads to a tidier mind.
And organising? It’s like self-care with a label maker. Whether you’re sorting your closet, color-coding your bookshelf, or just clearing your desk, small wins in your environment can lead to big shifts in your mindset.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try putting on some feel-good music, setting a 20-minute timer, and seeing what you can refresh. You might just feel lighter — emotionally and literally — when you’re done.
13. Reading
Few things are as comforting as curling up with a good book and escaping into another world — even if just for a little while. Reading helps shift your focus away from stress and into something steady, quiet, and grounding. It slows your heart rate, calms your nervous system, and gives your mind a healthy distraction from worry or overwhelm.
Whether you’re diving into a juicy novel, paging through a self-development book, or revisiting an old favourite, reading is like a mini vacation for your brain. No pressure, no screens, just you and the story.
Bonus points if you pair it with a warm cup of tea, a soft blanket, or a cozy reading nook. Just 10–15 minutes of reading can help reset your energy and leave you feeling more peaceful and inspired.
14. Exercise!
When stress starts to build, moving your body can be one of the best things you can do to release that tension. Exercise isn’t just about fitness — it’s about wellness, and it’s a powerful stress-busting tool. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, doing yoga, or taking a walk, physical activity helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and releases endorphins, which instantly boost your mood.
But it’s not just the physical benefits. Exercise also gives you space to clear your mind, focus on your breath, and be present in your body. That hour at the gym or 30 minutes of stretching could be the mental reset you didn’t know you needed.
And don’t worry if you’re not into high-intensity workouts. Gentle movement like yoga or stretching can be just as effective in helping you release built-up stress and feel more balanced. The key is finding an activity you enjoy so it doesn’t feel like another stressor on your plate.
15. Aromatherapy: Relax with Essential Oils
Have you ever heard the saying, “Stop and smell the roses?” Well, there’s truth in that simple piece of advice. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple scent to change your mood. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote relaxation. Whether you’re diffusing essential oils in your space, adding a few drops to your bath, or applying them directly to your pulse points, essential oils have the power to support your mental wellness in a calming and natural way.
Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are just a few examples of oils known for their stress-relieving properties. These oils work by triggering your limbic system — the part of your brain that controls emotions — helping to calm anxiety, improve sleep, and bring you back to a peaceful state of mind.
Try diffusing a relaxing blend while you wind down at the end of the day or use a calming rollerball during moments of stress to keep your energy grounded. Not only does it smell amazing, but it’s also a gentle, holistic way to feel more relaxed in the moment.
🌿 You Deserve to Feel Calm, Grounded, and Recharged
Stress is a part of life, but chronic overwhelm doesn’t have to be your norm. Take a moment to choose a few of these calming activities that truly resonate with you, and start weaving them into your weekly routine. Your nervous system will thank you — and so will your future self.
Remember, rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for your well-being and balance.
Leave a comment below sharing your favourite calming activity and how it helps you unwind!
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