解压

You can use it as a verb or an adjective. If you are going to the gym, you are 去解压. If a video of a cat is satisfying, the video is 很解压. It is very flexible in daily speech. You will often hear it paired with activities. 'Watching movies is very 解压' is a common sentiment. It fits perfectly into your 'self-care' vocabulary.

Use it whenever you talk about your downtime. Use it when a friend looks burnt out. It is great for social planning. 'Let’s go sing karaoke to 解压!' is a classic invitation. It works at the office during coffee breaks too. It shows you are human and need a break. Even watching 'oddly satisfying' videos online is called 解压.

Do not use it for serious medical depression. That requires a different, more clinical term. It is also not for physical pressure, like a tire. Avoid using it in extremely formal legal documents. It is a bit too 'lifestyle' for a court of law. If you are just bored, 解压 is too strong. Use it only when there is actual stress to release.

China’s '996' work culture (9am-9pm, 6 days) made this word huge. Young people are obsessed with 解压 toys and videos. There are even 'stress-relief halls' where you can smash plates. It represents a shift toward prioritizing mental health. It is a badge of honor to find a unique 解压 method. It is the ultimate survival word for the modern city dweller.

You might hear 压力山大, meaning 'under mountain-like pressure.' To counter that, you need 解压. Another variation is 减压, which means 'reducing pressure.' 解压 feels a bit more active and satisfying. People also talk about 解压神器, which are gadgets like fidget spinners. It is a whole economy of relaxation!