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With that in mind, here are some of the more unusual ways in which you can keep stress at bay!

Play a game online. Playing games online is a great way to reduce your stress levels. For example, not only can they serve as a welcome distraction to whatever is troubling you, but they have also been shown to lower stress levels. As such, now is the perfect time to try out a wide range of online games, such as mahjong. A card-based game, mahjong requires a high level of focus and attention, which means it is easy to lose yourself in gameplay!

Let it all out…by screaming. While this is a tactic that you cannot rely on all the time (such as when sitting behind your desk at work), many studies have found that scream therapy is a great stress booster. This is because it can feel cathartic to simply let your emotions run their course, as opposed to feeling as though you must keep them hidden away. Of course, this should not be considered a long-term solution!

Volunteer work. If you’ve already got a lot on your plate, adding more tasks to your routine may seem counter-intuitive, especially when you’re looking to reduce your stress levels, not add to them. However, various studies have found that volunteering is a great stress reliever, likely due to the fact that you know that you’re spending your time doing something good for others and making a real, tangible difference. In some cases, people find that it helps them to rationalize their thoughts, as they find that working with those who are struggling puts their own stresses into a different context. 

Furthermore, there are plenty of different ways in which you can volunteer your time and energy, from manning the phones at a helpline to collecting food to be handed out at food banks. 

Journaling. Journaling is another great way to reduce stress (and your mental well-being at large). This is because it allows you to express yourself freely without worrying about what others will say or how they will respond. As such, it can provide you with ample opportunity to get to the bottom of your feelings, as opposed to simply trying to destress them. 

However, if you’re new to the idea of journaling, it can be hard to know where to start. In fact, you may find that you do nothing but pick up a pen and doodle the first few times. However, a good tactic to make use of is freewriting, which means setting a timer (for, say, five minutes) and writing whatever comes to your head in a stream of consciousness. While this may seem a little odd to begin with, you’ll find that over time; it becomes an excellent vehicle for clearing your mind and lowering your stress levels.

Treat yourself to some dark chocolate. Many guides that are built around bettering your mental and physical health discuss the importance of a healthy diet, which often means that sweet treats are left out. However, various studies have found that eating a little bit of dark chocolate is a great way to lower your stress levels. This is because “it can lower your body's production of the stress hormone cortisol.

Talk about how you are feeling. While this guidance may feel out of place on a list of ‘unusual’ ways to manage stress, you’d be surprised how many people refuse to talk about how they are feeling, even when they are on the cusp of burnout. As such, you should be sure to talk openly and honestly about how you are feeling, especially if you feel as though stress is taking control of your life.