Everyone has had been through a very stressful time in their life, and at times it is very difficult to take a step back and relax. A key to having a successful life is knowing your limits and taking care of yourself. Here are several ways to relax that will not take too much time, but can make a big difference in your mental health for the day.

Listen to music: Find songs that calm you and make you feel happy. Simply lying down, closing your eyes, and listening to each part of the music is so grounding. This is something you could do for a few minutes or for a long time. It clears your mind and revitalizes you.

Take a power nap: If you are physically, emotionally, or mentally exhausted, it is wise to listen to yourself and set aside time to take a short nap. After giving yourself the rest you need, you will be prepared to continue on with more energy.

Journal: A good way to release tension in the mind is to write out your feelings or what you would like to accomplish. You may find that you can better understand yourself by writing and seeing what is going on in your mind. When you are overwhelmed with several tasks, listing what you need to do and checking them off step by step will make you feel like you are making progress and pushes you to not give up.

Do a self care routine: Whatever your interpretation of a self care activities are, make a little time for you to do that. Doing yoga, a face mask, and even a bath can help you lose that built up tension in your mind and body.

The next time you are worked up about something big or small,think of these ideas to care for yourself and relax your mind. There are many more tactics that work differently for other people but it is important to find the best method for you.