Depression and stress go together like Mondays and bad coffee—one just makes the other worse. We get stressed at work, at home, and even in traffic when someone forgets how to use a turn signal. But managing stress is a crucial step toward lifting your mood, and one of the best ways to do that? Relaxation techniques.

Think of these as life’s little “chill pills”—but without the side effects. These methods help you tap into the mind-body connection, which is just a fancy way of saying, “Calm your mind, and your body will follow suit.” Here are three techniques you’ve probably heard of (and maybe even rolled your eyes at). Give at least one a shot—you might be surprised!

1. Meditation – No need to shave your head and hum on a mountaintop. Meditation is just about giving your brain a break. Find a quiet spot, take some deep breaths, and focus on something simple—whether it’s a mantra, your breath, or an imaginary beach where you actually have no responsibilities. Science says it works, so why not?
2. Tai Chi – (Pronounced TIE-CHEE, but don’t worry, there’s no tea involved.) This slow-moving martial art looks like a graceful dance but is really a stress-busting powerhouse. Through gentle movements and deep breathing, you’ll boost flexibility, reduce stress, and possibly impress your neighbors with your newfound zen-like aura.
3. Yoga – Yes, it’s more than just trendy leggings and Instagram poses. Yoga helps stretch out tension—literally—and teaches you how to breathe your way to a calmer state. Bonus: It strengthens your muscles and increases lung capacity, which means more energy for things you actually enjoy.

Feeling a little down? Before you hit snooze on your life, try one of these techniques. At best, you’ll find a new way to relax. At worst, you’ll have a funny story about your first attempt at downward dog. Either way, it’s a win.