Anxiety can hit you like a ton of bricks—whether it’s before a big presentation, during a stressful week, or just out of the blue. And while reaching for comfort food or crashing into bed might be your go-to moves, there are actually way better (and healthier) ways to calm your nerves. Here are five unexpected but seriously effective ways to kick anxiety to the curb.
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
No joke—busting a move can be a game-changer for anxiety. When you dance, your brain releases endorphins (those feel-good chemicals) and lowers cortisol (the stress hormone). You don’t need to be a pro—just turn on your favorite upbeat song and let loose for a few minutes. It’s like hitting a reset button for your mood. Bonus points if you do it in your pajamas.
Cold Plunge (Or Just Splash Your Face)
Extreme? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. Cold exposure—whether it’s dunking your face in ice water or taking a quick cold shower—triggers your body’s "dive reflex," which slows your heart rate and shifts your nervous system into chill mode. If full-on polar bear plunges aren’t your thing, just splashing cold water on your face a few times can do the trick.
Chew Gum Like It’s Your Job
Sounds random, but chewing gum can actually trick your brain into feeling calmer. The repetitive motion helps reduce cortisol levels, and the act of chewing can distract your mind from spiraling thoughts. Keep a pack in your bag for those high-stress moments—just maybe avoid the super loud smacking if you’re in public.
Laugh It Off (Literally)
Laughter really is the best medicine—especially for anxiety. Watching a funny video, calling that one friend who always cracks you up, or even forcing a fake laugh can trigger your body’s relaxation response. Fake laughter can turn real surprisingly fast, and before you know it, you’ll be too busy giggling to remember why you were stressed in the first place.
Squeeze Something (Like a Stress Ball or Your Own Hands)
Physical tension often goes hand-in-hand with anxiety, so releasing it can help. Grab a stress ball, squeeze and release your fists, or even tense and relax different muscle groups (progressive muscle relaxation, for the fancy term). It’s like giving your body a mini massage and telling your brain, "Hey, we’re good here."
Anxiety doesn’t have to run the show—sometimes the simplest, weirdest tricks work the best. Next time stress tries to sneak up on you, skip the junk food binge or the 3 p.m. nap and try one of these instead. Your mind (and body) will thank you.
