Simple Ways to De-Stress

Ways to Relieve Stress—Scream/Move/Breath/Meditate

Helena Bonham Carter is one of my favorite actors—she has played unique characters in many movies and televisions shows. I agree that I feel better after a good scream—especially after experiencing stressors that have accumulated over days—weeks—or months.

One time when I was in college, as one of the dorm’s resident advisors, one of my best friends encouraged us to hold a “primal scream” session to release our stress when the weight of studying for exams became all-consuming and overwhelming. At first I thought this idea was strange, but it made sense considering the competitive environment we were in.

In the years that followed, artist Edvard Munch’s painting, “The Scream” became one of my favorite works of art and go-to remedy for releasing unbearable stress and anger. During the often turbulent times of my twenties, just gazing on a reproduction of his famous painting was so cathartic and it reminded me of the primal scream session in my college dorm.

Don’t you experience times in your life when they feel frazzled, upset, powerless, and depleted?

You may feel like you have no way out!

I experienced this recently due to certain political events.

I even shook with fear and disbelief.

Later though, I felt some relief after I got on my mini-trampoline, cranked up the music (well in my headphones – I did not want to disturb my condo neighbors), jumped, screamed, and did boxing motions in the air.  Weird –yes – I guess – but it released steam. Vigorous physical exercise helps a lot!

Fortunately, along with screaming and vigorous exercise, I have other incredible tools at my disposal to deal with difficult situations that are often beyond my control. I must just remember to use them!

I am so grateful that my mother invested in a Transcendental Meditation (TM) class for me when I was a high school senior. It can really help!

I recall one time a few years ago when I felt incredibly stressed by some personal events. I decided to do a full twenty minutes of TM preceded by some alternate nostril yoga breaths to calm me down.

I decided to meditate while lying down. Yes, I know many meditation experts advise against lying down to meditate. They argue that you might fall asleep and advise you to meditate sitting upright in a chair or cross-legged on a floor. However, this time I wanted to lie down so I could totally relax since I don’t have to hold up my body in any way. When I make a clear intention to meditate while lying down, I usually don’t fall asleep.

That time, I lay flat out in Savasana (the sponge/relaxation pose) and felt my body sink into my mattress.

At first, the tension in my body was so palpable. 

I felt absolutely wired!

Ten minutes later, however, the tension began melting away.

Twenty minutes later upon finishing my meditation session, I felt so relaxed!  And so grateful.

Is it easy to quiet your mind under stress?  

No—not if you don't have the right techniques.

And, even if you do, it can take a few minutes to settle into relaxation. 

However, isn’t it reassuring to realize that if you scream (in a proper location that won’t disturb anyone), move your body vigorously, learn how to mediate, and do deep yoga breathing, that you can soothe your stressed-out soul?

Yours for releasing stress the natural and healthy way—by screaming, exercising, meditating, and breathing deeply!