Stress relief for tradies – 8 different ways to relax

So you *could* have a massage or take some deep breaths… but we’ve found some ways to de-stress and relax that are far more interesting!

When we’re busy with work pretty much 24/7, taking time out to relax is important. This isn’t news. But knowing it and doing something about it are two completely different things. Here, we take a look at a few different ways to relax, from the sublime to, well, the ridiculous.

Stress relief 1: Float tank

On face value, the proposition of a float tank doesn’t sound that appealing. Essentially, the proposition is to lie naked in the dark, floating on water packed with salt. Sometimes it’s a coffin-shaped box. Hmm. But in reality, it’s relaxation on steroids. Well, sodium. Sensory deprivation’s seriously in play, and after a few minutes to get used to it, you’re relaxed to the max. Or so freaked out you want to run. It’s worth finding out.

Stress relief 2: Cold plunge pool

Cold plunging has been a form of recovery for athletes for a while now, but it’s becoming more mainstream as a way of relaxing. For the uninitiated, it involves getting into cold water (10-15 degrees) and, well, staying there. You need to build up your tolerance, but it’s said to be beneficial for muscles, mood and relaxation too.

Stress relief 3: Stare at a wall

Sometimes, all you need to do is take a step back and take in your surroundings.

Let your mind wander, without any specific goal or purpose. This practice allows your brain to settle and helps alleviate the pressure and anxiety that may have built up throughout the day. Just don’t try it at work.

Stress relief 4: Clean the house

Yep, really. Engaging in cleaning or decluttering activities can be surprisingly therapeutic. Set aside 30 minutes to tackle a small cleaning or organising task. It could be as simple as tidying up that kitchen drawer that everything gets thrown into, cleaning out your fridge, or reorganising your wardrobe. Not only will you feel accomplished after completing the task, but you’ll also experience a sense of calm and orderliness in your environment, which can have a positive impact on your overall mental well-being and help reduce stress. And, you’ll win some brownie points, too.

Stress relief 5: Laughter therapy

Okay, they say laughter is good medicine, and we’ve all experienced the positive effect a good laugh with friends can have. But laughter therapy – or laughter yoga – takes it to another level entirely.

It’s not based on finding anything funny (bar the situation you find yourself in, some might say) but just using laughter as a form of physical exercise. Hey, if it works, who are we to judge?

Stress relief 6: Take a beer bath!

Now you’re talking. In Eastern Europe, people have been bathing in oak baths of beer for centuries. It’s said to relieve stress, cleanse the skin and release toxins – and it’s backed by science, too. The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology says beer ingredients, “especially the hops, contain an abundance of compounds that have been shown to possess various anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-angiogenic, anti-melanogenic, anti-osteoporotic and anti-carcinogenic effects.” We’re sold.

Stress relief 7: Sound bathing

Sound healing has been used in different cultures forever as a way of relaxing, and sound baths are becoming increasingly popular. Not a bath in a ‘bathing’ sense, a sound bath involves a yoga-type pose and a practitioner creating a ‘sound bath’ by playing instruments that make deep, resonating vibrations – designed to create a deeper state of relaxation or contemplation, shutting down your flight or fight reflex.

Stress relief 8: Snake massage

This one’s an immediate, straight-out no from us, but hey, you make your own mind up. Snake massages are becoming more and more popular across Asia and have slithered into the US, Brazil and Russia, too. And, yes, it’s what you think. Lie down and let snakes, well, snake all over you. Absolutely not.