Simple Ways To Reduce Stress
Here’s how you can get more out of each day…
Have a laugh
While working and carrying family responsibilities, stressing out too
much about them will simply cause more grief both mentally as well as
physically, according to experts. However, there are several ways you
can unwind – watch your favourite comedy, catch up with close friends
and talk about funny memories. Research says that every time you laugh
out loud, increased oxygen flows to your organs, blood flow increases,
and stress automatically reduces.
Spend time with your pet
Pets are known not only to give you unconditional love, but spending
time with them is actually good for your health. Studies say that when
you pet your dog/cat even for just a few minutes, your body releases
feel-good hormones like serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, and also
decreases the amount of the damaging stress hormones. This results in
lower blood pressure, less anxiety and even better immunity.
Get rid of the clutter
Are you surrounded by too many things in a not-so-very big space?
Having too much stuff can leave you feeling overwhelmed and bog you
down, eventually leading to stress. Living in constantly messy
surroundings brings on unwanted anxiety. Therefore, experts say you need
to de-clutter to de-stress. Don’t start by wanting to clear up
everything at once. That will only stress you out further. Begin with a
small space and gradually move to bigger things. A space that is
uncluttered can feel satisfying and soothing.
Do the housework
While this might seem like a mundane, everyday chore, try to do
things a bit differently. Put on your favourite music or TV show in the
background, make a list of all that needs to be done, and get down
working. Not only will you burn calories and get your work down, you
won’t be tired and stressed out at the end of it.
Drink juice
Researchers say that the vitamin C present in orange juice can
actually help you manage stress better because it lowers levels of
stress hormones like cortisol. Remember that vitamin C-rich foods such
as orange juice, grapefruit juice, strawberries, or sweet red peppers
boost your immune system.
Sing out loud
When was the last time you sang loudly to your heart’s content? Turn
up the radio and start singing. No matter how bad you think you sound,
studies show that singing can actually make you feel happier and feel
less stressed. Singing also benefits your breathing, heart and immune
system.
Breathe deeply
Invest in some lavender or rosemary scents and take a deep whiff — it
will instantly put you in a more relaxed state and lower levels of the
stress hormone cortisol. If you prefer not to use scents, practice the
act of deep breathing regularly. This sends oxygen surging through your
bloodstream, helping to calm down and beat stress.
