20 fun ways to relieve stress

20 fun ways to relieve stress

Keeping stress in check is important to maintain good health. If traditional methods like meditation or yoga seem too serious for you, try these quick, light-hearted activities. As goofy as they might seem, they'll help transport you away from the situation that's causing you stress, and help you lighten your outlook. Each can be done in a minute or two at home, at work or while stationary in your car.

1. Bookmark your favourite online game.

2. Play with a stress ball, bean bag or fuzzy stuffed animal.

3. Sing your favourite upbeat song — at full volume.

4. Throw foam darts at a picture of someone who's causing you grief.

5. Draw a cartoon of the person or situation that's annoying you.

6. Practise some kickbox or kung fu moves — complete with sound effects.

7. Punch a pillow as hard as you can.

8. Scrunch your face for 10-15 seconds, release and repeat.

9. Make funny faces in the mirror.

10. Jump up and down 20 times.

11. Watch a funny video on youtube.com.

12. Complete a word puzzle or Sudoku.

13. Call a friend to vent.

14. Imagine the person who frustrates you as an awkward teenager.

15. Walk around the block.

16. Take three deep breaths, holding each for as long as you can.

17. Look at a photo of a place or person you love.

18. Pet the dog or cat. No pet? Imagine your perfect pooch or favourite feline.

19. Laugh at a joke — visit a humorous website or subscribe to a funny email service.

20. Plan your perfect vacation.