It can’t be helped, stress is a normal part of our busy lives. And while we all know the damage that it does to our health and well-being, sometimes it is just plain difficult to bring down our stress levels. Here are some tips that may help you to relieve part of your stress.
1). Exercise
Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to combat stress. As odd as it may sound, physical stress on your body can relieve mental stress. There are a few reasons for this. The body’s stress hormones – particularly cortisol – are lowered. Exercise also helps release endorphins, which are chemicals that improve your mood and act as natural painkillers. Daily exercise promotes good sleep quality, which is greatly affected by stress and anxiety. Finally, exercising regularly promotes confidence in your body, which in turn promotes mental well-being.
2). Reduce your caffeine intake
This one is tough. We are a nation that runs on coffee – just ask Dunkin’. However, caffeine in high doses unfortunately does increase anxiety. While everyone has a different threshold for caffeine tolerance, if your regular cups of java make you jittery, that means they may also be contributing to your body’s stress level, and you should consider cutting back.
3). Chew Gum
Although your dentist may not like this tip, studies have showed that people who chew gum have a greater sense of well-being and lower stress levels. One possible explanation is that chewing gum causes brain waves similar to those of relaxed people. Another is that chewing gum promotes blood flow to your brain. Additionally, one recent study found that stress relief was greatest when people chewed more strongly.
4). Laugh
It is difficult to laugh when you are stressed out. Things just aren’t funny. But laughing is good for your health and helps the body relieve its stress response. It also relieves tension by relaxing your muscles. In the long term, laughter can also help improve your immune system and mood. A study among people with cancer found that people in the laughter intervention group experienced more stress relief than those who were simply distracted. Try binge watching a funny TV show that has made you laugh in the past. Perhaps, when they say that laughing adds years to your life, they are onto something.
5). Learn to say no
This ranks high on the list of reducing stress. We all do it – commit to something if we don’t have the time, the interest, or the ability to see it through. Then we stress about it. While many stressors are not within our control, this one certainly is. Take control over the parts of your life that you can change and are causing you stress. One way to do this may be to say “no” more often. This is especially true if you find yourself taking on more than you can handle, as juggling many responsibilities can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Being selective about what you take on — and saying no to things that will unnecessarily add to your load — can reduce your stress levels.
