Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure, and you feel unable to cope. If stress is not properly managed, especially over a long run, it can have adverse effect on your body. Here are 10 simple ways to help you release stress.
1) Crank up the tunes
Listening to soothing music can lower blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Allow your mind to focus on the different melodies, instruments or singers in the piece. You can also blow off steam by rocking out to more upbeat tunes and singing at the top of your lungs.
2) Exercise
All forms of exercise can ease depression and anxiety by helping the brain release a feel good chemicals and by giving your body a chance to practice dealing with stress.
3) Reach out
Call a friend and talk about your problems. Good relationships with friends and your loved ones are important to any healthy lifestyle. A reassuring voice can put everything in perspective.
4) Talk to yourself
Talk calmly to yourself. Just tell yourself why you’re stressed out, what you have to do to complete the task at hand. Most importantly, tell yourself that everything will be OK.
5) Laugh out loud
Laughter can release endorphin that improves mood and decreases stress levels. Laughing can trick your nervous system into making you happy. Try to watch some comedy to trigger you to laugh.
6) Drink green tea
Green tea has less than half the caffeine of coffee and contains healthy antioxidants. It has a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system.
7) Sleep
Lack of sleep is one of the cause of stress. It causes the brain and body to get out of whack and only gets worse over time. Get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Manage your time accordingly and do your best to get into bed and have enough sleep.
8) Take a deep breath
Taking a deep breath can lower your cortisol levels which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Deep breathing can also cause a temporary drop in the blood pressure.
9) Write it out
Writing in a journal can help us put things in perspective. Pick a time everyday and write down things that make you happy. It may be one way to effectively relieve stress due to its meditative and reflective effects.
10) Pamper yourself
Take time to take care of yourself. You can draw a bath and pour in some extra bubbles. Tune into your favourite music with nice aromatic candles. Relax and de-stress.
