You know that thing they do in movies when the main character can compartmentalize their growing anxiety for the sake of a cute romantic scene? It doesn’t exist in real life. You might be holding hands with your significant other and still stressing out about a work deadline approaching. Unfortunately, unless you’re a professional meditation artist, you might find it tricky to relax on demand. Yet, sometimes, it’s not so much about opening your chakras or striking a yoga pose. Sometimes, chilling out is all about finding the little pleasures in life that kill the stress beast.

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A cup of flavored coffee
The Dude has his White Russian. But you’ll find that a cup of freshly brewed coffee with a slightly sweet aftertaste is all you need to find your inner zen master. Coffee, you say, but it’s a stimulant! Granted, coffee makes you more alert. But that doesn’t mean it stresses you out. As America is a nation of coffee lovers, you can be sure that a few drops of homemade vanilla extract will instantly elevate your pick-me-up brew. There’s something instantly soothing about the taste of a strong and smooth coffee on the tongue. Try it. Bliss guaranteed. So, nope it doesn’t eliminate whatever was stressing you out, but it certainly takes the edge of it.
Medical anti-anxiety puff
Stress can pile up until it turns into anxiety. For anxiety sufferers, the description of walking around with shackles that could restrain you when you least expect it is a painfully accurate one. Most people with mild to severe anxiety find support in medication or alternative medication to get through the day. And, quite frankly, when you’ve tried medical cannabis, you understand why the stuff has such a large follower base. Stress and anxiety start in the brain. Therefore, you want something that can induce relaxation directly inside the brain. And tada, that’s where edible CBD can make a huge difference. You can also find similar results by smoking medicinal marijuana – and speed up the process with preroll packaging because the last thing you want when you’re triggered is to roll.
Essential oil
Aromatherapy is a buzzword that most people associate with spirituality, yoga, and interior decor. The use of essential oil isn’t new. Our ancestors understood how to use plants to improve their well-being. Essential oils stimulate the receptors in the nose and communicate with your nervous system. So, the right oil could calm you down. Valerian, lavender, and sweet basil are some great ones to use with a diffuser if you’re prone to high stress.

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Millennials mandala book
Last but not least, coloring books are hugely popular because they relax the amygdala – the part of your brain that senses fear. If meditation isn’t your thing, you might be surprised by the positive results you’ll get from coloring a page. Most say it’s as effective as meditating. It’s hard to compare if you don’t meditate, but ultimately doing something pretty that does you good, what’s not to like?
Sometimes, you just want to tell yourself to chill out. And when you can’t summon the power of Asana yoga, you can certainly achieve positive results with your everyday gadgets at home.