Stress affects everyone. It can come from school, work, family, or even small daily problems. When stress builds up, it makes the mind and body feel tired, heavy, and overwhelmed. Learning how to relax is important because it helps reduce pressure, clear your thoughts, and make you feel calm again.
In this guide, we will explain 16 simple ways to relieve stress and anxiety, and we will also explain how relaxing and laughing help reduce stress. Everything is written in plain, simple English so it’s easy to understand and follow.
Why Relaxing Matters
When you relax, your mind slows down. Your heart rate becomes steady. Your breathing becomes smooth. These changes help your body feel safe instead of stressed.
Relaxing is not just about feeling good for a moment. It protects your health in the long term. It supports better sleep, stronger focus, and improved emotional balance.
Your body has two main systems:
- The stress response (fight or flight)
- The relaxation response (rest and recover)
When you are stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol makes you feel anxious and tense.
Relaxing activates the opposite system. It lowers cortisol and tells your brain, “Everything is okay.”
16 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Below are easy, practical methods you can use anytime. Each technique is explained in detail so you know exactly how it helps.
1. Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing is one of the most effective ways to calm the mind. When you take slow breaths, your brain receives the message to relax.
How to do it:
- Sit straight.
- Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds.
- Hold for 2 seconds.
- Breathe out slowly for 6 seconds.
Repeat this 5–10 times.
Why it works: Deep breathing lowers your heart rate and reduces anxiety symptoms.
2. Take a Short Walk
Walking, especially outdoors, helps clear your mind. Movement decreases stress hormones and increases endorphins, the chemicals that make you feel happy.
A short 10–15-minute walk can:
- Improve your mood
- Loosen tight muscles
- Give your brain a mental break
Walking in nature or around trees is even more calming.
3. Listen to Calming Music
Music directly affects your brain. Slow, soft sounds help your body enter a peaceful state.
Good choices include:
- Gentle piano
- Soft guitar
- Nature sounds
- Relaxation music
This helps reduce tension, slow your heartbeat, and release emotional stress.
4. Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This technique helps you relax your body step by step.
How to do it:
- Start with your feet.
- Tighten your muscles for 5 seconds.
- Then release.
- Move up to your legs, stomach, arms, and face.
This helps you notice where your body holds stress and teaches you to let it go.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment. It stops your thoughts from running too fast or worrying about the future.
You can practice by:
- Focusing on your breathing
- Noticing sounds around you
- Feeling your feet on the ground
Mindfulness is proven to reduce stress, worry, and overthinking.
6. Laugh More
Laughing is one of the easiest ways to relax. It releases feel-good chemicals and reduces stress hormones.
You can laugh by:
- Watching funny videos
- Talking to a friend
- Remembering a fun moment
- Reading jokes or comics
Laughing helps reduce stress because it relaxes your muscles, improves your mood, and makes your body feel lighter.
7. Write Your Thoughts Down
Writing is a simple tool for mental clarity.
Try this:
- Take a notebook.
- Write what is bothering you.
- Write how you feel.
- Write what you can control and what you cannot.
This removes heavy thoughts from your mind and gives you more mental space.
8. Drink Something Warm
A warm drink makes your body feel safe and calm. Good options include:
- Warm water
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Warm milk
Avoid too much caffeine because it can increase anxiety.
Warm drinks help relax your throat, chest, and mind.
9. Do Light Stretching
Stretching relaxes tight muscles that you may not even realize are stressed. Common areas that hold tension are:
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Lower back
- Legs
Spend a few minutes stretching daily to ease physical and mental pressure.
10. Reduce Screen Time
Phones, computers, and TVs can make your brain feel overloaded. Too much screen time increases stress, especially before bed.
Try:
- Taking breaks every hour
- Not checking your phone right away in the morning
- Using blue light filters
Reducing screen time helps your mind stay calm.
11. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Your thoughts affect how you feel. Negative thoughts increase stress. Positive thoughts reduce it.
Examples:
- Instead of “I can’t do this,” say, “I will try my best.”
- Instead of “Everything is going wrong,” say, “I can handle one step at a time.”
This builds a calmer, stronger mindset.
12. Do Something Creative
Creativity is a great way to relax. You don’t need to be an artist. Just do something simple.
Try:
- Drawing
- Coloring
- Painting
- Crafting
- Playing with clay
- Writing poems
Creative activities reduce stress and anxiety by shifting your focus to something enjoyable.
13. Spend Time With Someone You Trust
Talking to a friend or family member helps relieve emotional stress. Humans feel calmer when they feel supported.
Sharing your thoughts with someone who listens:
- Reduces feelings of loneliness
- Helps you release built-up worries
- Gives you comfort and clarity
Even short conversations help.
14. Organize Your Space
A messy space can make your mind feel stressed. Cleaning or organizing a small area helps you feel in control.
Try:
- Cleaning your desk
- Organizing your bag
- Arranging your room
- Making your bed
A clean space helps create a calm, peaceful environment.
15. Practice Gratitude
Thinking about what you are grateful for helps you shift your mind away from stress.
Examples:
- “I am thankful for my family.”
- “I am thankful for my health.”
- “I am thankful for my education.”
Write three things each day. This simple practice increases positivity.
16. Take Breaks and Rest
Your mind and body need rest. Constant work causes burnout. Short breaks help your brain reset.
Rest can include:
- Sitting quietly
- Closing your eyes
- Taking a nap
- Resting your hands and shoulders
Breaks prevent stress from building up.
How Relaxing Helps Reduce Stress
Relaxing activates the body’s relaxation response. This lowers cortisol and reduces tension. When the body relaxes, breathing slows down, muscles loosen, and the mind feels more peaceful.
Relaxation also helps:
- Improve sleep
- Increase concentration
- Boost emotional balance
- Reduce physical pain
It works like pressing a reset button for your brain.
How Laughing Helps Reduce Stress
Laughing has several positive effects on your body and mind.
1. Laughing releases endorphins
These are natural “feel-good” chemicals that make you feel happy and light.
2. Laughing reduces cortisol
This lowers the stress response almost instantly.
3. Laughing relaxes your muscles
Your body feels less tight and more comfortable.
4. Laughing improves mood and energy
It makes you feel more positive and less overwhelmed.
This is why even a small moment of laughter can make a big difference.
Building Your Personal Relaxation Routine
Everyone is different. Some people like music. Others prefer walking or writing. Try 3–4 methods from the list and see what works best for you.
A sample daily routine could look like this:
- Morning: Take 5 deep breaths
- Afternoon: Stretch for 5 minutes
- Evening: Watch something funny
- Night: Write in your journal
Small steps can make a big impact.
Final Thoughts
Relaxing is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Ignoring stress can lead to health problems, but learning simple relaxation methods helps protect your mind and body.
Use these 16 simple ways to relieve stress and anxiety to build a healthier, calmer, and happier life. Remember that even small daily changes can make a big difference.