12 Relaxing Ways to De-Stress with Nature, Plants, and Water Features
Raise your hand if you need help reducing the stress in your life! Life is unpredictable, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. You may not be able to remove every stressor, but you can change how you respond. Stress Awareness Month is a reminder that stress affects the mind and body, often in ways we don't even notice.
Taking time for self-care is not indulgent but essential. These de-stress tips will help you restore calm, ease tension, and create peaceful moments in your day.
Exercise for Stress Relief
Even just taking a walk can release endorphins, which boost your mood and lower stress. Exercise benefits both body and mind. Next time you’re overwhelmed, go for a brisk walk or stretch for a few minutes. Put your phone away (music is fine) and let your body recharge.
Positivity Practice Positivity and Gratitude
It’s easy to get stuck in negative thoughts. Work on your inner monologue by practicing gratitude. Write down three positive things each day, no matter how small. Over time, this shift in perspective can help reduce stress and build resilience.
Unplug from Devices
Constant notifications and screen time add hidden stress. Take 15 minutes daily to unplug from your phone, tablet, and TV. Try doing this before bed to give your mind real rest.
Fuel Your Body with Healthy Foods
Stress often leads to cravings for salty, sugary, or fatty snacks. Instead, nourish yourself with whole foods—fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Healthy fuel helps stabilize mood and energy throughout the day.
Add Plants and Water Features to Your Spaces
Nature has a calming effect indoors and out. Adding greenery brightens your mood and lowers anxiety. Even a small succulent on your desk can help. Take it further by including a fountain, waterfall, or other garden water feature. The gentle sound of flowing water is proven to ease stress and promote relaxation.
Declutter Your Environment
Clutter adds to mental chaos. You don’t need a complete home overhaul—start small by clearing the areas where you relax most. Creating a tidy environment gives your brain permission to slow down.
Relax with Breathing Exercises
Focus on breathing. Breathing exercises help reset your body’s stress response. Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat five to ten times to calm your mind.
Use Music to Lift Your Mood
Music has the power to transport you. Create a playlist filled with songs that make you smile or bring back good memories. Whether it’s calming classical music or upbeat favorites, let the rhythm shift your mood.
Laugh with Funny Videos
Screens aren’t all bad. Laughter is the best medicine for combating stress and anxiety. Watch a short, funny video to break up a stressful day. Humor is contagious and quickly lightens your outlook.
Pet Therapy for Stress Reduction
Spending time with a furry friend lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (the feel-good hormone). No pet at home? Visit a local animal shelter or offer to walk a neighbor’s dog.
Sleep Prioritize Restful Sleep
While getting enough sleep is easier said than done, it’s important. When life gets busy, sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice. Quality rest is essential for managing stress. Create a calming bedtime routine: dim the lights, set your phone aside, and relax in a cool, dark room.
Get Outside and Enjoy Nature
Sunshine boosts vitamin D and improves mood, while time in nature naturally lowers stress. Add a comfy chair, plants, and a soothing water feature in your garden to create your own relaxation retreat. Ponds, fountains, and waterfalls provide sound therapy that helps you truly unwind.
Final Thoughts
Daily stressors are unavoidable, but they don’t have to control your life. With small changes such as moving your body, adding water features to your space, or practicing deep breathing, you can find balance and peace.
