Feb 18, 2025

10 ways to calm stress in 10 minutes

TOI Lifestyle Desk

Quick stress relief in just 10 minutes

Feeling overwhelmed? Managing stress doesn’t have to take hours. These quick and effective techniques help relax your mind, ease tension, and restore balance—all in just 10 minutes.

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Deep breathing

Practice slow, deep breaths by inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four. This calms your nervous system, reduces stress hormones, and promotes relaxation.

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Mindful meditation

Close your eyes, focus on your breath, and clear your mind. Even a few minutes of mindfulness helps lower stress, improve concentration, and restore emotional balance.

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Stretching exercises

Perform gentle stretches like neck rolls or shoulder shrugs. Stretching releases muscle tension, improves circulation, and signals your body to relax, easing stress instantly.

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Listen to music

Play soothing or favourite uplifting tunes. Music has a direct effect on emotions, reducing cortisol levels while boosting dopamine, helping you feel calmer and happier.

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Drink herbal tea

Sip chamomile, peppermint, or green tea. Herbal teas contain natural compounds that relax muscles, ease anxiety, and provide warmth and comfort, reducing stress quickly.

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Take a walk

Step outside or around your house for a brief walk. Walking increases endorphins, clears the mind, and rejuvenates outlook, making stress more manageable.

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Write in a journal

Write down your thoughts, feelings, or gratitude list. Journaling offers emotional release, encourages self-awareness, and assists in shifting attention from concerns to positive thoughts.

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Engage in a hobby

Take a few minutes of painting, knitting, or playing a musical instrument. Creative pursuits help reduce stress, stimulate the mind, and serve as an emotional getaway.

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Try progressive muscle relaxation

Tense and then relax each group of muscles from head to toe. The technique relieves bodily tension, reduces stress levels, and offers immediate relief.

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Laugh or smile

Watch a humorous video, read jokes, or remember happy memories. Laughter releases endorphins, lowers cortisol, and immediately changes your mood to a positive one.

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Thanks For Reading!

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