Have you ever felt tense like a wound up toy? I’m sure you have. Most of us do at some stages in life. It could be a looming deadline, an upcoming job interview, or lack of sleep. Whatever the reasons, feeling on edge makes us cranky, uncommunicative and stubborn. If that is you right now, you need to loosen up.

Naturally, the following tips are far from being all the answers to loosen up, as there are hundreds of ways to do so. They are simply intended to help you open up and connect with other people on all the right levels.

Take A Mini Break

Mini breaks are a great way to freshen up the mind. You could go for a picnic, a walk on the beach, an overnight hotel stay with all the luxury trimmings of 5-star accommodation or a visit to the park. Whatever helps you to recharge your batteries is the right choice for the moment.

We all need a break every so often and by not doing it we only do ourselves a disfavor. Get some fresh air and clear your mind. It is the fastest way to loosen up.

Dance

Dancing to my favorite music is one of my all time winners to loosen up. I often dance around the house on a whim. My neighbors might think I’m nuts, but I don’t care, since I’m having fun. Dancing helps to relax me instantly.

You don’t need a nightclub to dance. Just good sound and you are ready to go. Let me see those moves.

Exercise

There is something special about clearing the head with a brisk walk or a powerful gym workout. When I lived in Switzerland, I used to travel to and from work with my mountain bike every single day for two years.I really treasured my early morning rides to work. I consistently challenged myself to be faster, beat the tram by so many minutes, or manage a certain portion of the way in under my previous record. In those times I hardly ever felt tense and stressed out because I was actively using my body to freshen the mind.

Meditate

Meditation is a great way to beat the mental cobwebs goodbye. 10 minutes a day is all you need. Initially, it will take some getting used to to become still and quieten the mind. But with a bit of practice, you will be a master in no time and enjoy the benefits.

Turn Up The Volume

If you are hard pressed to polish those dancing shoes, how about just listening to some great music instead. You could indulge in a daydreaming session – naturally, this would work best with relaxing music. Or else, if you rather stay active, turn up the volume and clean the house at the same time. Hint: If you are a Martian, your Venus will love you even more for it.

Cup Of Tea Anyone

Green tea has relaxing properties. If a cup of coffee is more your thing, then by all means, have your cuppa. Just don’t forget to keep your brain hydrated with plenty of water afterward.

I think when we drink tea or coffee, it is often the actual ceremony that helps us to relax. There is something serene in brewing and pouring a nice tea, or smelling freshly roasted coffee.

Instant relaxation.

Consider The Options

One thing most people forget when they are wound up and tense is to consider the other person’s opinion. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, when we are tense, we end up being stubborn and become argumentative. Instead of making the situation worse, try to see the “other” view first. I’m not saying we shouldn’t argue. But most arguments can be avoided by simply stepping back.

People don’t know when you are tense, unless you tell them so. Once you engage into arguments or senseless sparring of the minds it is very hard to find a common ground.

How do you choose to loosen up if you are stressed out, wound up or tense from looming deadlines? Let us know, it will be great to get a nice collection of ideas.

Thank you for stopping by.

Monika