Fast company logo
|
advertisement

RECOMMENDER

2020 New Year’s resolution: 10 ways to feel less stressful this year

Tips and tricks scientifically proven to help reduce stress and anxiety

2020 New Year’s resolution: 10 ways to feel less stressful this year

[Photo: rawpixel]

BY Lauren Steele4 minute read

In 2020, why don’t we all just try to chill out a bit more?

According to Gallup’s 2019 data on emotional states, Americans are among the most stressed out populations in the world. Fifty-five percent (yes, more than half) of the American population reports experiencing stress during the day—every day. This is 20% higher than the world average of 35%. So it’s safe to say that a noble, necessary, and healthy goal to set for yourself in the new year is to take a deep breath, evaluate your life, and calm down a bit. To help you do that, we’ve gathered the top scientifically proven ways to reduce your anxiety.

Here’s how to kick off a more relaxed decade in 2020.

Sleep better
Sleep is essential for your mental and physical health, but Americans are getting less of it than ever before. Research has shown that the blue light from your computer, phone, and TV can keep you up at night by disturbing your circadian rhythm by inhibiting melatonin production. We know it’s a lot to ask you not to use your phone before bed (we’re as guilty of scrolling Instagram before we knock out as anyone), so instead opt for a pair of blue light blocking glasses. Warby Parker’s blue light glasses are affordable and stylish, and can be made perscription if you need vision correction. (Prices vary)

[Photo: courtesy of Ritual]
Take magnesium
Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Plus, it’s an essential mineral that’s vital for more than 300 functions in the body—so you can relax knowing that you’re doing something good for your body.Ritual vitamins($30/month) include30-60mg of magnesiumto make sure that you’re getting a daily dose.

Drink tea
Research has found that drinking black tea leads to lower post-stress cortisol levels and greater feelings of relaxation. We love Tea Drops, the dissolve-in-your-water, USDA-certified organic tea that doesn’t come in a bag—so it’s less wasteful, and you never have to worry about bitter tea from steeping too long. Plus, you can order a monthly subscription for less than what it costs to buy a week’s worth of lattes. ($20/month)

[Photo: courtesy of Manduka]
Practice yoga
Science shows that a regular yoga practicereduces and helps manage anxiety, along with a whole other slew of good-for-you benefits. TheGRP Lite hot yoga mat($98) fromMandukais perfect for heated yoga classes (the sweatier it gets, the better the grip!) as well as your everyday practice.

Wrap up in a weighted blanket
2018 study found that people with anxiety typically have poor quality sleep, and in turn, having poor quality sleep can increase anxiety—a vicious cycle. Weighted blankets help users experience a “calmer night’s sleep,” so grab this extra cozy, just-heavy-enough FC-recommended weighted blanket from Ugg ($198) or this beautiful, eco-friendly option from Bearaby ($279), and settle down for your own long winter’s nap.

Express gratitude
According to a 2016 study, the simple exercise of writing down who and what you’re grateful for has a physical effect on neural activity and the parts of the brain that are responsible for empathy, as well as personality and expression. Try your hand at it with the 5-Minute Journal from Rhone ($25), or make a habit of it with Fast Company favorite Headspace (subscriptions vary).

Get artsy (even if you don’t think you are)
Studies show that artistic practices like coloring and calligraphy increase mindfulness (as well as concentration) and reduce symptoms of stress. So grab some ink and enroll yourself in Hand Lettering 101 ($27).

advertisement

[Photo: courtesy of Maude]
Have sex (Seriously)
Sex makes us feel good—which is very important. Butstudieshave also shown that sexdecreases the physical symptoms of stress, like high blood pressure. And whether you’re with a lover or with yourself, we recommend this 100% natural, pH-balanced, condom-safeShine Organiclube from the satisfyingly chic brand, Maude.

[Photo: courtesy of Vitruvi]
Smell the essential oils
While it’s not set in scientific law, some studies suggest that there is a high correlation betweenaromatherapyand stress relief. I mean, doesn’t smelling bergamot and sandalwood make you happier than whiffs of dumpster fires and questionable wafts of urine in the city? Certain aromas (likelavender) have been consistently shown to reduce stress levels. Trylavender essential oil ($15.64) and thisbeautifully sculpted stone diffuser($119) from Vitruvi, and let it all go.

[Photo: courtesy of Apple]
Put your headphones on
Research points to multiple ways in which music can help relieve stress, including triggeringbiochemical stress reducers. So on your busy commute, on a run, or at your desk, tune in and bliss out with the crème de la crème of headphones, with gorgeous sound quality and noise-cancelling to block out all of life’s little annoyances:Beats Studio 3 Wireless($280)

Recognize your company's culture of innovation by applying to this year's Best Workplaces for Innovators Awards before the final deadline, April 5.

ModernCEO Newsletter logo
A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Privacy Policy

Explore Topics