Stress is recognized by many as the No. 1 proxy killer disease today. The American Medical Association has noted that stress is the basic cause of more than 60% of all human illness and disease.
Next time you need some stress relief consider these 5 stress alleviating tips to help reduce stress levels:
Deep Breathing
Breathing exercises, or even just taking a few deep breaths, can help reduce tension and relieve stress, thanks to an extra boost of oxygen. Deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic reaction, which helps us to calm down.
Music Soothes The Soul
Music has the power to change the chemistry of our cells. Plug in your headphones and listen to some classical music or other slower tunes to relax and help reduce stress.
Go For A Walk
Even if you have only 10 or 15 minutes to spare, walking will help clear your head and boost endorphins which in turn reduces stress hormones. If possible, walk in a park or or other green space as research has shown our brains enter a more meditive state when we move from a city setting to a green space.
Color Your Stress Away
Coloring is a fun way to get a quick dose of Zen. Studies have shown that repetative motions, such as coloring, can help strengthen your focus and easily shift your attention back to a relaxed state. Mandalas and other geometrical designs seem to offer the best releif.
Have A Cup Of Tea
Eric Yarnell, ND, professor of botanical medicine at Bastyr University, recommends herbal tea as a great stress reducer. Try catnip, lemon balm, skullcap, passionflower, hops, or valerian. If you’re not a fan of herbal tea, try some honey-infused black tea or green tea.
If you have any tips you’d like to share to reduce stress we’d love to hear them!
sherri Swain says
Thank you on your advice about stress. I have a hard time with anxiety attacks from stress. I am going to try to color it away as soon as possible.
Cindi says
Roll them all into one: Relax outside in a green space, listening to the melody of birds chirping, while coloring/painting and sipping some tea. 😉