Stressful experiences activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. If we experience stress too frequently, our HPA axis can start to get dysfunctional, leading us to feel "wired but tired." In this article, we will talk about some of the science-based stress relief strategies you can try.

Most of us are strapped to our phones 24-7, overwhelmed by work and feeling uncertain about the future of our country or the planet. We feel our well-being slipping and are in need of some good relaxation techniques. Here are eight relaxation techniques that science says can help you increase calm or decrease anxiety.

Self-soothing is defined as an individual's efforts or capacity to calm oneself while in a state of emotional distress. Improving our self-soothing skills as adults requires self-insight, the development of self-soothing skills, and the ability to effectively use these skills to return to an emotional baseline.

Peace of mind is a mental state of calmness or tranquility. It may also include freedom from worry and anxiety. When our minds are buzzing with thoughts, it can be intense and overwhelming. We just want a calm, relaxed, and content mind. A lot of research has pointed to ways we can decrease stress and calm down an overactive mind.

Calming anxiety usually means we want our body to return to homeostasis (or its normal resting state). Generally, it involves feelings of relief, a reduction in negative emotions, and a general sense that we're okay. Given how unpleasant we might be feeling at times, learning strategies to calm down can be a great boon to our well-being.

Gratitude is an emotion that goes beyond simply feeling thankful; it captures a deep sense of appreciation. It also reflects an awareness of the opportunities available to us and how much we have to be thankful for. Research shows that cultivating gratitude has mental and physiological benefits, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being.

Self-love is an essential part of living a healthy and successful life. It requires moving away from self-rejection and instead embracing oneself with kindness. Self-love is about making the conscious decision to put your well-being first, taking care of yourself, and advocating for your needs.