Learn to let go of the concept of perfection. Nothing is perfect. Imperfection adds character and letting go of any expectations of perfection will help you to relax and focus on the positive in any person or situation.
Step back from any stressful situation if you can. If you cannot, try taking a deep breath and not reacting immediately to avoid having your feelings and tension rise unnecessarily. [4] X Research source Allow time during your day to relax and decompress. For example, a 10-minute walk may help you relieve and avoid unnecessary stress. [5] X Research source
Regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy and it can also help relieve tension-causing stress. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Exercise produces endorphins that will improve your mood and help you sleep, both of which can contribute to feelings of tension. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Even a light walk can help. [9] X Expert Source Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LCSWCertified AEDP Psychotherapist & Emotions Educator Expert Interview. 8 September 2021. A massage can help relax you and remove the physical symptoms of tension that your seriousness may cause. [10] X Research source Even something as simple as taking a warm bath can help release your tension, especially after a stressful day or when you’re feeling negative. [11] X Research source [12] X Expert Source Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LCSWCertified AEDP Psychotherapist & Emotions Educator Expert Interview. 8 September 2021.
Ask yourself questions like “What’s the worst that could happen?” and “If it does happen, can I live with it?” Whenever something bad happens, forget it as much as possible and then actively imagine things you want to happen. If a person has negative commentary, consider it briefly and then let it go. [14] X Expert Source Erin Conlon, PCC, JDExecutive Life Coach Expert Interview. 31 August 2021. Dwelling on negativity will only reinforce tension and seriousness. [15] X Research source
The act of forgiveness can remove negativity and create positivity attitudes. But it will also decrease stress and increase peace and calm in your life. [17] X Research source
If you can’t remove a person from your life entirely, or you don’t want to hurt him, you can limit your exposure to him. You can also counteract his negative attitudes and viewpoints by pointing out the positive in what he says or does. This way, you don’t get drawn down his negative path. [19] X Research source
You want to make sure you’re bending and not breaking the rules. For example, you might consider driving the wrong way down a parking lot instead of parking in a handicapped space when you are not disabled. At work, you could take a slightly longer lunch break one day and stay later or take a shorter lunch another day.
Negative thoughts and attitudes are draining and can reinforce seriousness. Seeking out the positive in any person or situation will help shift lighten up. [24] X Research source Some studies have found that a positive attitude can contribute significantly to success and happiness. [25] X Research source For example, if you fall and scrape your knee, don’t focus on the cut or a tear in your clothing, but learn to laugh at your clumsiness or something else humorous that happened in the situation.
Being able to see the humor in your imperfections can help you accept yourself and show others that you don’t take yourself too seriously. [27] X Research source
These people don’t necessarily have to agree with everything you do, but they should tell you the truth without judging you in any way. [29] X Research source Positive friends and colleagues not only always have your best interest at heart, but can also help you to learn to trust yourself and in turn not take yourself too seriously. [30] X Research source
Any type of laughing is good so long as it’s not at someone else’s expense. Consider watching funny movies or TV shows, reading humorous books, or simply seeing a comic to elicit laughs. All of these will give you a chance to relax and lighten up. [33] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Humans have practiced different forms of meditation for thousands of years. It has had different purposes, from finding inner illumination to relaxing and learning to concentrate. Meditation forces you to truly unplug from the world and focus internally. Having this unplugged time can teach you to concentrate and relax. Start with 5-10 minutes of meditation daily and gradually increase your time as you become more proficient at meditating. [35] X Research source Notice and write down at least 3 things you are grateful for, big and small. It can help you improve your mood and well-being.
Find a quiet and comfortable place where you’ll be uninterrupted. By eliminating any distractions, it is easier to focus on your breath and let go of any thoughts or sensations that arise. Breathe easily and evenly. Don’t control your breath; rather, let it come and go. An excellent technique to help your concentration is to focus solely on your breath by saying “let” on the inhale and “go” on the exhale. [37] X Research source If you lose your inner concentration during your meditation session, take a deep breath and refocus your energy inwards. It’s completely normal for this to happen, especially as you develop your meditation practice.
Try doing gentle forms of yoga, which will stretch muscles and relax you. Restorative and yin yoga are specifically practiced to help stretch out and repair muscles and relax the body. [38] X Research source If you don’t have the time to commit to a full yoga session, do downward facing dog for 10 deeps inhalations and exhalations. Adho mukha savasana, which is the Sanskrit name for downward facing dog, is an important foundational pose in yoga that will not only calm and relax you but will also stretch and strengthen your Practicing regularly may help you lighten up. Talk to your doctor before you begin any yoga practice to make sure you’re healthy enough to practice.
