Need to know how to calm down before a presentation? Or feeling stressed the day before your event? Don’t worry, this is completely normal. Given the added stress of the current climate and the nerves you may be feeling about returning to live events, it can be challenging to know how to feel more relaxed.

We’re sure you’ve already tried many of the traditional ways to relax, like meditation or exercise. So, we’ve put together a list of novel types of relaxation techniques to help chill you out before the big day or night. And if your fears are related to pandemic planning, work your way through this handy checklist before everything kicks off.

To stay calm before your next event, try these 10 quirky – but proven – tricks:

1. Plunge into water

Immersion in cold water has many benefits: it can soothe muscle aches, boost your immune system, raise your mood, and elate the senses. Whatever was getting you stressed before a swim might seem a lot less daunting afterwards. But while floatation tank facilities and swimming pools are closed, there are still other ways to immerse yourself and reap the calming benefits of water. One of these is fresh or wild water swimming. And you don’t have to live in the countryside to get access – Port Meadow, within walking distance of Oxford, and London’s Hampstead Heath are both home to popular outdoor swimming spots.

2. Indulge in dark chocolate

This is definitely one of our favourite ways to help you relax. High-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa and above) contains several ingredients that aid relaxation. Flavonoids in the sweet stuff dilate blood vessels helping to reduce blood pressure, while an amino acid called tryptophan contributes to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood.

Studies have shown that another ingredient in dark chocolate, theobromine, also has a mood-elevating effect. In addition, dark chocolate contains high amounts of magnesium, which is thought to reduce anxiety levels. So there’s really no need to feel guilty for indulging.

3. Repeat a mantra

Choose a positive phrase, such as “My event will be a great success,” and repeat it silently to yourself as you practise a breathing exercise. Take long, slow, deep breaths and try to disengage your mind from distracting thoughts and sensations. By focusing on your affirmation and saying it in your head over and over, you’ll flood your brain with positive thoughts and strengthen neural connections.

Rewiring the brain in this way can bring about a long-term change in your outlook, so you feel happier, more confident, and relaxed.

4. Smell an orange

The smell of citrus fruit can have an amazing calming effect, according to scientists. The researchers asked participants to spend five minutes inhaling either sweet orange essential oil, tea tree oil, or water.

Participants then underwent a stressful test while having their vital signs measured. Those who sniffed orange oil were less anxious throughout the test, and the beneficial effects even lingered once the exam was over.

5. Listen to Weightless by Macaroni Union

According to The British Academy of Sound Therapy (BAST), Weightless is the most relaxing piece of music of all time. Produced in collaboration with sound therapists, this music track is designed to relax the listener by slowing their heart rate and lowering blood pressure.

The track uses a technique called “entrainment” to gradually sync a listener’s heart rate with the music over the course of eight minutes, slowing it from 60 beats per minute to 50.

6. Play a relaxing video game

While research shows that violent video games can increase aggressive behaviour, a 2011 study found that playing a relaxing game could have the opposite effect. Participants were randomly assigned to play a relaxing, neutral, or violent video game for 20 minutes. Afterwards, they were asked to report on their mood and were also given the opportunity to help the experimenter by sharpening pencils. Those who played relaxing games were in a better mood and more helpful than those who experienced a violent or neutral game.

You don’t have to own an expensive console either – a phone will do. Some of the best relaxation apps available include Monument Valley, Alto Odyssey, and Osmos.

7. Chew gum

Still wondering how to be more relaxed? Try chewing gum. It not only gives you fresh breath but can also reduce anxiety and stress, according to Andrew P. Smith of Cardiff University. “The benefits of long-term chewing on stress reduction suggests that it may be a simple, cost-effective method of reducing stress and improving quality of life and well-being,” Smith wrote in his paper.

8. Clean your desk

Tidy house, tidy mind – according to psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter, there is real truth in that old adage. “Messy homes and work spaces leave us feeling anxious, helpless, and overwhelmed. Yet rarely is clutter recognised as a significant source of stress in our lives,” she wrote.

Clutter bombards us with excessive stimuli and constantly signals to our brains that our work is never done, making it more difficult to relax, both physically and mentally. This is especially important now, considering that many of us have been working from home.

To remedy the situation, put aside 30 minutes to tidy up your working environment or focus on making your bedroom a super neat space. You’ll feel productive, efficient, organised, and ready for a restful night.

9. Inflate a balloon

It might sound silly, but blowing up balloons when you’re feeling stressed can really help you relax. The deep breathing involved with inflating a balloon sends a message to the brain to calm down.

You can enhance the stress-relieving effect by focusing on the negativity you want to blow away. Blow these negative thoughts into the balloon and then pop the balloon to make them disappear.

10. Go forest bathing

If you want to get a tan, go sunbathing… if you want a good example of how to chill out, go forest bathing. Known as “shinrin yoku” in Japanese, it is a popular form of meditation that uses nature to induce a peaceful state.

To do it, simply walk through the trees, inhaling deeply and focusing on the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves. It is said to be especially effective because the trees release a form of essential oil that has a calming effect. Since outdoor activities have become increasingly popular lately, try finding somewhere off the beaten track to enjoy peace and quiet.

Stay ahead of potential problems

Event planning can be nerve-racking, but rest assured that your hard work will pay off. One effective way to eliminate stress on the day is to anticipate potential problems and have plans in place to deal with them. You might want to consider using a checklist for this, or learning about other event creators’ biggest mistakes.

Finally, don’t let nerves get the better of you and spoil your big day. Make sure you can enjoy it by calming your mind with these unusual but effective methods.

Help to further ease your nerves by managing your event through our easy-to-use platform.