The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Morning Medit Oceans offers soothing virtual meditation sessions for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of jellyfish and other exhibits while engaging in breathing exercises to relieve stress. According to their YouTube channel, it’s a unique mindfulness experience for everyone.
Twenty-eight percent of adults in the U.S. are “almost constantly” online, often on mobile devices. If you feel overwhelmed by the number of push notifications you receive, use these iPhone and Android guides to turn them off. If you find yourself getting stressed while using particular apps, use these iPhone and Android guides to set limits on your usage.
It’s always important to get a good night’s sleep, but maintaining healthy sleep habits is especially critical during times of high stress. The Sleep Cycle app uses sound analysis to identify each of your sleep states and wake you up at the time when it will be easiest to get out of bed. It also provides insights about how much time you spent in light, deep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep so you can optimize your schedule.
If you’re seeking to be more present in your daily life, it’s a good idea to establish rituals and routines that support that goal. However, that doesn’t mean your mindfulness practice needs to rely on the same tools all the time. The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center has a weekly podcast covering a variety of topics related to mental health, including self-compassion, coping with anxiety and cultivating joy.
If you do most of your work in front of a computer or in a static posture, ergonomists recommend taking 90-second breaks every hour to stretch and move your body. This can be especially helpful if you’re adjusting to a workstation for the first time or are experiencing physical tension due to stress.
Seventy-one percent of people turn to friends or family members in times of stress. While it’s easy to pick up the phone or send your loved ones an e-mail to stay connected, try sending them a greeting card instead. Adobe Express is a suite of design apps that provides user-friendly greeting card templates for non-designers. Get creative with a printable message that shows how much you value the people in your life.
Did you know working out can improve your brain health? And, research shows that all kinds of exercise can help you manage stress. If you’re looking for workout inspiration, the American Heart Association has an infographic that can help you create your own circuit training plan from home. Choose from a variety of movements, then put them together in short bursts, ranging from 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
Music is a powerful tool for reducing stress. Whether you are at work, playing, or resting, the right soundtrack can influence your mood and behavior. Not interested in sleepy piano tunes? Not a problem. The team at NPR Music recently compiled a six-hour playlist of songs that help them keep stress at bay. The genres are as unique as the contributors, encompassing folk, ambient, hip-hop, and more.