Tags: Daily living skills, Independence, Relaxation, Stress
Relaxing is easier said than done. When life is stressful and challenges daunting, we need to take some time to relax and regain some energy to keep going.
Stress is your body’s normal reaction to any demand for change. How you handle stress varies from person to person. Here are five reasons why you should care about stress (from ExaminedExistence.com):
While we must accept that stress is a part of life, we can introduce habits that work to reduce the effects of stress. Here are ten ways you can feel good about taking action and know that taking action can make you feel better.
1. Accept that stress is a part of life: Stress is a useful reaction that makes us physiologically ready for an emergency. Your ability to control this natural reaction can benefit your health and well-being.
2. Chew gum: Chewing gum has been around for longer than you think. Ancient Mayans and Greeks chomped on resin gum. In a 2008 study conducted by Andrew Scholey, Ph.D., participants who regularly chewed gum demonstrated lower levels of anxiety, increased alertness, reduced stress and improvement with multi-tasking.
3. Do something with your hands…crafts, learn to play an instrument, cook: Find an activity you enjoy and don’t worry about the outcome. Art, even simple drawings or scribbling, can be used to relieve stress because the activity takes your mind off whatever it is that is stressing you and promotes relaxation. You will likely return to your daily life with less stress and a clearer mind.
4. Blow up a balloon: Inflating a balloon forces you to breathe deeply, which lowers stress. So next time you go to your office, place a few balloons in your drawer and remind yourself to blow one up whenever you are beginning to feel stressed. And when people laugh at you, just know you are also helping them reduce stress by making them chuckle.
5. Laugh…find something funny on YouTube: Laughing lowers levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and epinephrine, which are stress-aggravating hormones; and it releases feel-good hormones, such as, dopamine
6. Go to a pet store and stroke something furry: Studies have shown that dog owners are much less stressed than those who do not own a dog. It may be the unconditional love of an animal plays a big part in making their owners happy.
7. Eat chocolate and other Mood-boosting Foods: Some foods have been shown to reduce stress in some people. If you find a food that works for you, keep small portions handy: either in pre-packaged 100 calorie sizes or snack size zip-lock bags.
8. Get some peace and quiet: Chronic noise has been shown to have a negative impact on your health. Even when you think you have become used to ever-present noise, such as traffic or construction, you are still experiencing biological changes. If you work or live in a noisy area, give yourself a break and find a quiet getaway.
9. Find a relaxation method that works for you:
10. Exercise Daily: Exercise helps to boost endorphins and reduce stress—and research shows that 20 minutes each day is all that is needed to experience benefits.
What is your favorite method of stress reduction?
Polly Abbott, CVRT teaches clients at Second Sense the skills they need to manage their daily lives.