How to Relax: Stop Being Busy, Take a Break and Get Better Results While Doing Less

by Martin Meadows

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL TO REGAIN ENERGY: QUICK RECAP 1. Noise pollution leads to increased stress. If you live in a city, it’s even more important to soundproof your home as much as possible. 2. Some of the most effective ways to reduce the noise in your house include: investing in thick carpets, covering walls with canvas paintings or hangings, and using blinds and curtains. Old appliances can also generate a lot of noise. You can either insulate the rooms in which these appliances operate or buy new, quieter, and more energy-efficient appliances. A consultation with an insulation specialist can help you find other sources of noise in your house. Proper insulation will reduce the noise levels and your energy bills. 3. If you live in a single-family house, consider installing a fence, and planting trees and hedges to block the noise and increase your privacy. 4. Wearing noise-canceling headphones, ear plugs, or using sound machines are also effective at battling noise pollution. Sound machines are particularly useful for houses in which you can’t block the external noise any further. It’s better to listen to the sound of the ocean or white noise than the sounds of traffic. 5. Being in nature is immensely beneficial for your mental health, especially if you suffer from high levels of stress. Escaping noise and the highly-stimulating urban surroundings can help you decrease your stress and prevent future stress-related disorders. 6. Physical activity and social interactions in...