Relax After Hearing Stressful News

There are many ways you can make yourself comfortable after hearing things you may not have wanted to hear. This article provides some suggestions.

Steps

 * 1)  Kick off your shoes! When you arrive at your house, take off your shoes and change clothes instantly. Work clothes or itchy material will not bring any more comfort, especially after hearing anything stressful. Some suggested clothing would be:[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) *T-shirts[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 1Bullet1.jpg|center]]
 * 3) *Sweatshirts[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 1Bullet2.jpg|center]]
 * 4) *Baggy Pants[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 1Bullet3.jpg|center]]
 * 5) *Nightgowns (girls)[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 1Bullet4.jpg|center]]
 * 6) *Sweatpants[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 1Bullet5.jpg|center]]
 * 7) *Any sort of flannel and/or soft material[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 1Bullet6.jpg|center]]
 * 8)  Grab a hot drink! The steamy, soothing liquid will help lower your stress level. Here are some ideal drinks: Hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. (Although if you want to nap later, decaf is the way to go!)[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 9) Eat comfort food. Stress is like being ill--you have to eat what you feel like eating! Small portioned, non-rich desserts feel great, especially if you find out depressing news--like a sudden death or getting fired from a job you really enjoyed.[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 10)   Listen to music. Crank up the radio! Put on any station that would relax you. You can't go wrong with classical or jazz! Avoid heavy, cheesy stations or rap. This is not music you want to hear when you are stressed.[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 11) If the stressful news is an impending natural disaster or one that has already happened, try the "elemental music" method.[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 5.jpg|center]]
 * 12) *For a "fire" disaster (wildfire, volcano), listen to music with a "water" theme - water puts out fire.
 * 13) *For a "water" disaster (flood, tsunami), listen to music with an "air" theme - water can evaporate into air.
 * 14) *For an "air" disaster (tornado, hurricane), listen to music with an "earth" theme - hurricanes weaken when they go onto land.
 * 15) *For an "earth" disaster (earthquake, sinkhole), listen to music with a "fire" theme - fire can scorch earth.
 * 16)  Do some meditation or yoga. This can help you find your "mellow side" and feel better. Here are some suggestions:[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 6.jpg|center]]
 * 17) * Sit firmly with your palms pressed together. Mumble "om" under your breath and clear your mind from anything and everything.[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 6Bullet1.jpg|center]]
 * 18) * Stretch everything! Stand up tall and try to touch your toes without bending your knees. If you can do this no problem, try to find stretching that is more difficult for you.[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 6Bullet2.jpg|center]]
 * 19) * Concentrate on breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Do this for eight counts, then repeat.[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 6Bullet3.jpg|center]]
 * 20) *Write "it" down! Make a list of what is bothering you, and then rip it up into shreds. Tell yourself that this already happened, and that it is in the past now. Say that again. Over. And Over. And Over.[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 6Bullet4.jpg|center]]
 * 21) *Freshen up! If you are so stressed you feel lazy, your hair will become ragged and your eyes will be bagged down with dark circles. Wash your face. Comb your hair. Doing these small tasks will make you feel better.[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 6Bullet5.jpg|center]]
 * 22) Get moving! Pump your arms and legs. Take a jog down the block. Dance to your favorite song. Studies prove that exercising relieves stress.[[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 7.jpg|center]]
 * 23) Add on to this wikiHow! Write all of the things that made you feel better. Try drawing things that will make you feel better. [[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 8.jpg|center]]
 * 24) Lay down. You've had a hard day! Relax and count sheep![[Image:Relax After Hearing Stressful News Step 9.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * Try not to worry and be care-free when you do these methods!
 * Don't worry about anyone else until you are through. How can you help somebody else when you can't help yourself?
 * If your problem is exams, or a tough day at work, try going out with some friends! They can always help make you feel better.
 * Sleeping can help reduce stress very easily. Try to take quick naps when you have time.
 * If you're stressing really badly, write it down. Writing it down will help you let it out.

Warnings

 * If you feel so stressed that you are going into depression, get help immediately!
 * Try not to consume any medication.
 * If you exaggerate stress, it expands.

Related wikiHows

 * Prepare for the Death of a Loved One
 * Live After the Death of a Spouse
 * Deal With a Friend's Death
 * Break Bad News
 * Read the News on Your Favorite News Website
 * Relax After a Stressful Day