Let’s be real—depression is exhausting. And guess what makes it worse? Stress. That sneaky, ever-present, mood-wrecking monster that shows up at work, at home, in traffic, and sometimes even in your own brain for no good reason.

But don’t worry—we’ve got some tried-and-true tricks to kick stress in the shins and show it who’s boss. These aren’t magic cures, but they can help you feel a little more like yourself again. And the best part? You don’t need to run away to a mountaintop retreat or become a zen master. These relaxation techniques are totally doable—and might just become your new go-to mental health sidekicks.

1. Meditation

Before you roll your eyes—no, you don’t have to sit in a lotus pose chanting “OM” like a monk in a wellness commercial. Meditation can be as simple as closing your eyes, breathing deeply, and imagining you’re on a beach far, far away from your inbox. Whether you use a calming mantra, focus on your breath, or pretend you’re a cloud floating over your problems, the goal is the same: quiet the mental chaos and take your brain off the stress treadmill. Bonus: There are tons of free apps to help you get started.

2. Tai Chi

Say it with me: Tie-Chee. It’s like kung fu’s chill cousin who doesn’t want to fight—just flow. Think of it as slow-motion dancing with a purpose. With gentle movements and mindful breathing, tai chi teaches your body to move with calm and control (instead of panic and pizza). You don’t have to be graceful—just willing. It helps ease tension, improve balance (physically and mentally), and gives you a surprisingly satisfying sense of peace.

3. Yoga

Stretch, breathe, repeat. Yoga isn’t just for the super-flexible crowd in fancy leggings. It’s for anyone who wants to feel a little looser in the limbs and lighter in the mind. With a mix of stretches, breathwork, and occasional “hey, I didn’t know I had muscles there” moments, yoga helps you reconnect your body and brain in a really empowering way. And yes, lying on the mat in corpse pose totally counts as yoga. You’re doing great.

So, feeling a bit off lately?

It’s okay. Really. Depression is heavy, and healing takes time—but starting small with one of these mind-body practices might give you just enough lift to feel better.

Try one. Try them all. Breathe, move, and give yourself a break. You deserve it.