What Is Another Way to Say “De-Stress”?

Looking for synonyms for de-stress? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say de-stress.

  • Relax
  • Unwind
  • Calm down
  • Chill out
  • Decompress
  • Loosen up
  • Rejuvenate
  • Ease up
  • Wind down
  • Soothe
  • Alleviate
  • Mellow out
  • Lighten up
  • Cool off
  • Take it easy

Want to learn how to say de-stress professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Relax

Appropriate Use: Suitable for reducing tension or anxiety, often in a general context.
Example: “After a long week at work, it’s important to relax during the weekend.”

2. Unwind

Appropriate Use: Ideal for describing the process of de-stressing and becoming less tense, especially after work.
Example: “She likes to unwind with a good book after her business trips.”

3. Calm Down

Appropriate Use: Used when needing to reduce agitation or excitement, often in a moment of high stress.
Example: “The team was advised to calm down and approach the problem logically.”

4. Chill Out

Appropriate Use: Suitable for a casual context where reducing stress or relaxing is needed.
Example: “The manager suggested the team chill out after successfully completing the project.”

5. Decompress

Appropriate Use: Ideal for alleviating stress or tension after a period of high pressure or workload.
Example: “After the product launch, the team took a day off to decompress.”

6. Loosen Up

Appropriate Use: Used in situations where becoming more relaxed or less formal is beneficial.
Example: “To foster a creative environment, the workshop leader encouraged everyone to loosen up.”

7. Rejuvenate

Appropriate Use: Suitable for gaining new energy or vitality, especially after being stressed or tired.
Example: “The company retreat was designed to rejuvenate employees and boost morale.”

8. Ease Up

Appropriate Use: Appropriate for gradually reducing effort or intensity, especially in a stressful situation.
Example: “The manager asked the team to ease up on the workload to prevent burnout.”

9. Wind Down

Appropriate Use: Ideal for gradually relaxing, especially at the end of the day or project.
Example: “She winds down with a yoga session after a busy day at the office.”

10. Soothe

Appropriate Use: Best used for calming or relieving stress, often in a gentle or comforting manner.
Example: “Listening to classical music during breaks can soothe a busy mind.”

11. Alleviate

Appropriate Use: Suitable for making stress or discomfort less severe or serious.
Example: “Regular team-building activities help to alleviate workplace tension.”

12. Mellow Out

Appropriate Use: Used in informal contexts to describe becoming relaxed or less agitated.
Example: “After the intense negotiations, the team took some time to mellow out.”

13. Lighten Up

Appropriate Use: Appropriate for becoming less serious or stressed, often in a social or team environment.
Example: “The HR department organized a comedy night for employees to lighten up and bond.”

14. Cool Off

Appropriate Use: Ideal for taking a break to reduce anger, frustration, or high emotion.
Example: “After the heated discussion, he took a walk to cool off.”

15. Take it Easy

Appropriate Use: Suitable for adopting a more relaxed approach or reducing the intensity of one’s efforts.
Example: “The doctor advised her to take it easy for a few days following the minor surgery.”

Linda Brown