Work problems, relationship problems, financial issues - everyone gets stressed out at some point or another in their lives. What you need to know about stress is that you don’t necessarily have to take pills to reduce it. Here’s a list of easy things you can do to reduce stress:
1. Listen to music
Music triggers biochemical stress reducers.
2. Talk it out
Hashing it out with a friend can be a great way to work through your issues.
3. Laugh it off
Laughing reduces stress both momentarily and long-term by reducing your stress hormones and upping your outlook on life.
4. Exercise
That post-exercise endorphin rush is one way to sharply cut stress.
5. Meditation and yoga
The combination of deep breathing techniques and poses makes this activity work to reduce stress.
6. Sleep better
Make it a point to get the doctor-recommended seven to eight hours of sleep.
7. Chew gum
Studies suggest that the act of chewing gum can reduce cortisol levels, helping to alleviate stress.
8. Get a massage
Getting a good massage may do more than alleviate physical pain.
9. Keep a journal
Keeping a journal may be one way to effectively relieve stress-related symptoms due to its meditative and reflective effects.
10. Get a pet
Petting an animal for just a few minutes can reduce stress. Don’t believe me? Try it!
11. Have orange juice
Orange juice reduces stress by lowering levels of stress hormones, including cortisol. Two glasses per day should do the trick.
12. Scream out loud
When you feel like you’re about to explode, screaming is a cathartic and secretly exhilarating way to release all your frustrations.
13. Swear
Even if the object or person of your frustration isn’t around, swearing has been shown to be a great stress reliever.
14. Go on a vacation
Mini-trips are great for recharging your batteries. So take a long weekend, or just head out on a day trip.
15. Dance like no one is watching
Dancing relieves tension. Forget about if you’re any good at it and just let loose!
16. Bring out the scented candles
Studies suggest aromatherapy can be a good way to relieve stress. Certain aromas (like lavender) have been consistently shown to reduce stress levels.
17. Break something
Shattering an object is a fun, cathartic way to reduce stress. Just make sure it’s an object you don’t want or need.
18. Drink some tea
A study found that drinking black tea leads to lower post-stress cortisol levels and greater feelings of relaxation.
19. Hug someone
Hugging may actually reduce blood pressure and stress levels in adults.
20. Be intimate with your significant other
Studies have shown that sex and kissing can decrease the physical symptoms of stress, like a lower diastolic blood pressure.
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