9 Ways To Feel More Relaxed Every Day

If you're feeling a little on edge, you might need to take a breather and calm down. If you stay feeling anxious, you might do things you'll regret, like taking it out on someone else, or just making yourself feel as bad as possible. Finding ways to be more relaxed in any situation, no matter how big or small or however many people are involved, can help you have more control over your emotions and overcome obstacles faster. Whether it's at work, at home, or at a stressful family event, you'll approach each tense moment with the same poise and composure.

As a certified health coach, I work with clients on becoming more at ease and finding a wave of calmness amidst all the craziness that life can bring. Sometimes stressful situations pop up (work deadlines, arguments, financial concerns, and even something simple, like rushing to an appointment you might be late for). When you're in these sort of scenarios, it's easy to lose your cool and flip out. Unfortunately, that doesn't do anyone any good, as you'll just feel worse and you might unload that negativity unto someone else. Luckily there are a few ways to become more in tune with your emotions and react better when times are tough. Here are 9 ways to be more universally relaxed in literally any situation that can arise.

1. Be Mindful

According to life and career coach Liz Traines over email with Bustle, practicing mindfulness can put your mind and body in the right mindset to react appropriately under challenging circumstances. Take note of your feelings, rather than dismissing, accept and acknowledge them, and then find a way to find closure to shift into more positive thinking or a problem solving attitude.

2. Take Deep Breaths

Traines also recommends taking deep breaths, as this can calm the mind and body and bring about a better sense of balance and stillness that can diffuse any stressful situation. You can even close your eyes for more relaxation, as a way to zone out and be with yourself and your thoughts, without worrying about life around you.

3. Eat A Snack

Don't go straight for the box of donuts though, as sugary foods will only make you more stressed out by spiking cortisol, says Todd Nief, personal trainer and owner of South Loop Strength & Conditioning, over email with Bustle. Instead, reach for a healthy snack that features fats, protein, and complex carbs to stabilize emotions and help you think more clearly.

4. Try Meditation

If you're super stressed out, you might want to try meditating, which actually can be done anywhere, anytime. If you're around others, simply remove yourself for a moment (you can even say you're headed to the bathroom), and take a few minutes to sit somewhere quiet and meditate. Once returning, you'll feel way more in control.

5. Learn How To Say No

It's hard to always be a "yes" person, and you have to realize you can't do everything for everyone, all the time. Life isn't that easy, and no one has time to master every task. Plus, you should learn to put your own needs first in situations too, so you can better be there for others when they need you, as well. By understanding how to say no and prioritize things, you'll be better able to feel more relaxed and avoid stress.

6. Laugh It Out

According to experts at MayoClinic, there's a proven track record of feeling happier and more relaxed after a few bouts of laughter. By letting yourself feel silly and loose, you'll immediately ease any tensions and feel as though the world just got a bit lighter.

7. Carry Essential Oils With You

By carrying aromatherapy oils with you, you'll be able to dab a little on your pulse points or take in a whiff or two when you're under pressure. You can try these: Rose, Frankincense, Lavender, Bergamot, Marjoram, Vetiver, Chamomile, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, or Vanilla. All smell great and do the trick.

8. Journal Your Thoughts

Traines recommends jotting your negative and stressful thoughts down on a notepad, whether in a notebook or on your cell if you're on the go, as this is a way to get them out in the open and then close them (literally), so you can move on to better things and feel more at ease.

9. Listen To Music

Another way to get a sense of calm? Listen to your favorite playlist, even just for a few minutes. Traines recommends playing something that calms your nerves, as it'll be a way to regain your clarity and composure, so you can figure out your next steps in overcoming any stressful obstacles.

If you're feeling too stressed out and don't know what to do, try one of these tricks. You'll instantly feel in a better place and gain a sense of comfort to tackle any predicaments in your way.