Friday, May 31, 2013

8 Simple Stress-relieving Strategies



1. Eat More Complex Carbs 
Serotonin which has a calming effect, can be boosted by eating carbohydrates. The best forms are complex carbohydrates from wholemeal foods, fruits and vegetables with a low Glycemic Index (GI).

2. Drink Less Coffee
Though we often turn to coffee and alcohol when under pressure, they can actually worsen anxiety. Caffeine blocks receptors in your feel-good chemical, adenosine.

3. Get A Regular Massage
Pain can contribute significantly to your stress levels. If you suffer from regular physical discomfort such as stiff shoulders and aching legs, a regular massage will aid in releasing tension and promote better blood flow. A massage also relaxes the nervous system and helps promote better sleep.

4. Meditate
Meditation can clear your mind and bring much needed clarity and objectivity at times of stress. In the long term, it contributes towards repairing mental and physical wear and tear, stimulates better breathing habits and reduces the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands.

5. Reprogram Your Mind
Take ten minutes at the end of each day to think over the day you've had - take notes of situations & emotions which created positive results. The brain is a powerful tool and by conditioning our mental outlook in life, you can start the day with an optimistic outlook instead of a defeated attitude.

6. Improve Your Relationships
People problems? Address how certain relationships might be having a negative impact upon your life and attempt to resolve any conflicts.

7. Lough
Laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use. Create opportunities to laugh by watch a funny movie or TV show, go to a comedy club, read the funny pages, seek out funny people, share a good joke or a funny story, check out your bookstore’s humor section, host game night with friends, play with a pet, go to a “laughter yoga” class, goof around with children and do something silly. ( For more benefit of laughter, go to: http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm )

8. Sleep
Sleep replenishes our energy levels. Poor sleep patterns con have a cyclical. self-perpetuating effect. Certain herbs (such as Valerian) and relaxation techniques, as well as avoiding caffeine and boosting exercise. can also help.

"Exercise relieves stress. Nothing relieves exercise."
- Takayuki Ikkaku
Related links:
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