30 Fastest Ways for Parents to Reduce Stress, Backed By Science

by Parent Co. August 17, 2015

As part of our series on parents and stress, we researched the fastest ways for parents to reduce stress. All of these link to the study, research or article that backed them up. Make a suggestion for this list and we'll add it!

1. Socialize - the most popular way to de-stress, according to this study
2. Watch some funny videos - for example, these videos about stress on Funny or Die
3. Eat some dark chocolate
4. Chew gum
5. Make out with someone
6. Go all the way and have sex with them (bonus: also counts as exercise)
7. Share a laugh with someone
8. Have a drink if you can stop at one or two.
9. Or skip the drink and get a good night's sleep.
10. Consciously focus on feelings of gratitude and thankfulness
11. Breath deeply for a few minutes
12. Take a 10 - 15 minute walk
13. Exercise lightly or vigorously
14. Take a 10 - 20-minute power nap (but not longer)
15. Practice some simple mindfulness exercises
16. Get out into nature - the most powerful stress relief for highly-stressed people according to this study
17. Or at least look at some trees.
18. Dance. Even solo, it's good for you, but doing the tango might be better.
19. Turn your iPhone off for a while.
20. Do something nice for someone else
21. Take a warm bath
22. Take a cold shower
23. Listen to music (more on this)
24. Pray
25. Draw something
26. Journal, or at least write about your stressors
27. Hang out with your pet
28. Smell something good
29. Drink some black tea
30. Start a grub farm with your partner. Uh...

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