The Best De-Stressing Techniques to Try, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

The many stresses of daily life in the modern world may be unavoidable, but that doesn't mean that we have to be stressed.

While a little bit of stress can actually be helpful, for example, encouraging you to take important matters seriously and reminding you of your priorities, other times, it's entirely unhelpful. Unfortunately, small worries like needing to make a phone call or respond to an email can feel like big ones, with your body responding like the minor bother is a life-or-death situation. Having a bunch of relaxing methods for de-stressing in your arsenal can be a big help, and below, you can find the one that might be best suited for you, based on your zodiac sign.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Get Active

Aries is the fiery first sign of the zodiac, known for being energetic, active and impulsive. Often, their stress manifests as restlessness and fidgety energy, and it's a good ideal to channel that into something productive with a bit of exercise. This can be anything from joining up with friends for a quick ball game to going running, lifting weights or even just walking around outside. Burning off that anxious energy can reduce stress and get them thinking more clearly.

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Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Sharing a Hug

Taurus is a grounded earth sign often associated with stability and the home. Taking care of and providing for others is in their blood, and they can get a lot out of the simple practice of sharing a hug with someone close to them. Studies have shown that hugs decrease the amount of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, in the body, and we love that it's a reciprocal form of stress-busting. Don't have a person around? Petting a furry friend can have similar benefits for both the human and animal.

 

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Spend Time With Friends

We've called Gemini "the social butterfly of the zodiac" more times than we can count, and that absolutely applies here. Geminis tend to be extroverts who are happiest when they're with caring friends, so spending time with trusted pals who make them laugh can be extremely healing. Not only can they bring out the best in Gemini, but they can provide a listening ear when needed. Nothing soothe Gemini more than having people around who simply get them, helping them forward what they were even stressed about in the first place.

 

Also read about: Things Girls With High-Functioning Anxiety Know Too Well

 

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Take a Nap

Cancer has a reputation for being the most sensitive and moody signs of the zodiac, and they can really take stress to heart. It can further impact their moods and cause them to lash out or isolate themselves. Before that happens, they can take a step to nip the stress in the bud by taking a quick nap. While it's not always the easiest to catch some Z's when your mind and heart are racing, just 20 minutes of sleep can boost your energy levels and outlook. Overall, being well-rested also makes you feel more resilient and capable of dealing with future stressful situations.

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Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): Practice Gratitude

Leos may be known for their courage and boldness, but they, too, get stressed—even if they tend to hide it beneath a brave facade. Practicing gratitude can be especially helpful for them, shifting their mindset away from what's going wrong and instead embracing everything that's going right. Chances are that they have a million little things to be thankful about, from having a body that supports them to having their basic needs met, as well as beloved friends and everything they've accomplished in life thus far. They tend to be optimistic thinkers, and keeping honed in on the positive can help them thrive even in the face of adversity.

 

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22): Do Some Breathing Exercises

Virgos are hard-working earth signs, known for their analytical minds and detail-oriented natures. They can be major overthinkers who ruminate on past worries, nagging themselves over any tiny imperfection. Breath work can be especially useful for them because it's a practice designed to get people out of their hands and back into their bodies. Breathing deeply from the belly and focusing on each breath as it comes in and out allows them to keep their thoughts in the physical here and now, regulating their emotions in the process.

 

Also read about: 9 Helpful Ways to De-Stress and Promote Relaxation in Just 10 Minutes

 

Libra (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22): Laugh

Air sign Libra also tends to be defined by its relationships with other people. They're fans of balance and keeping the peace, and they often take on more than their fair share of stress in order to try to keep others happy. For them, laughter can often be the best medicine, not just bringing more oxygen into the body but also creating a sense of joy and ease. They can try turning to some of their favorite funny videos when they need to smile, or chatting with a friend with a great sense of humor. Using comedy to deal with stress can also help people feel better about and see the bright side of tough situations.

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Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): Meditate

Scorpios may be a bit misunderstood, but there's no doubt that the passionate and independent scorpions of the zodiac can also be a bit dark and broody. They care intensely about things and often overanalyze things, so learning to be more mindful and present through meditation can have massive benefits. Really, meditation is all about grounding yourself in the here and now and accepting the truth of the present, without judgment. When they're not stuck in the past or worrying about the future, all there is is the present, and those stresses can temporarily evaporate until it's time to think about them again.

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Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Spending Time in Nature

As the excitable adventurer of the zodiac, Sagittarians aren't known for being prone to stress, but that doesn't mean they can't benefit from learning to shake it off. For them, one of the tried and true methods for finding peace and calm is be getting out into the world and spending time in nature. Whether that means literally touching grass or just hanging out where there are trees, water or other natural formations, unplugging can have tons of benefits. Additionally, it can remind Sags about the scope of the world, and how small their worries are compared to the big picture.

 

Also read about: 10 Classic Gentle Parenting Phrases You Can Also Use on Yourself

 

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): Get Lost in a Hobby

Capricorns have a reputation for working harder than any other sign of the zodiac. In fact, they're known for being all work and no play, which can get them into many stressful situations. It's so important for them to have hobbies. For Capricorns, these are often practical and tangible activities that allow them to get hands-on and channel their thoughts and feelings through a craft. This way, they can hone their natural laser focus into something that isn't work and have some fun, as well as the joy of fulfillment and satisfaction, in the process.

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Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Practicing Positive Self-Talk

Aquarius is an air sign that's impossible to pin down and known for doing its own thing. They're not likely to be brought down by criticisms from people they don't respect, valuing their own thoughts and opinions much more. However, this can also allow them to get into their own heads and become overly critical of themselves. When their negativity is adding to their stress, positive self-talk can make a world of difference. They can turn these critiques on their heads, reminding themselves of how far they've come, what they've accomplished and why they're so special. Their own view of themself is the most important thing, so keeping it positive is essential.

 

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Channel Your Feelings Into Art

And finally, there's dreamy and emotional Pisces, who can be highly prone to being affected and discouraged when they're feeling stressed. Lucky for them, Pisces have been imaginations and unbridled creativity, and they can channel everything they're feeling into their work. Everyone processes stress differently and has a different approach to creativity, whether they draw, paint, sculpt, write or even make music about how they're feeling. Not only is this process therapeutic, but afterward, they can have a tangible piece of art they can show off or keep to themself. Regardless, it's bound to make them feel something.

 

Click HERE to discover some more specific techniques to try when you're feeling overwhelmed.