The original article was published in D.I.Y. Health on 23rd September, 2011.
Stress is a part of human lives. At present times, increasing work pressure, financial problems, competition and even lack of personal lives have dramatically increased the level of stress in human lives. But stress can be managed by taking out for yourself and relaxing.
A few reasons for causing stress are- financial crunches in the family, work pressure and peer pressure, problems in personal life, health issues, chronic disease, irritants in daily life, busy schedule, unrealistic expectations etc. Stress shows itself in variety of symptoms that may be behavioral, psychological, physical or cognitive. Some common symptoms and also consequences of stress are:
- Memory and concentration problems
- Negative thoughts
- Poor judgement
- Feeling of loneliness
- Insomnia or even over sleeping
- Mood swings, easily irritated
- Dizziness, rapid heartbeat
- Nervous habits like nail biting
- Smoking and drinking alcohol to relax
- Eating too much or too less
A little stress in life is good because it makes you to perform better and work harder. But long term stress can create havoc in your live. Stress can wreck both your personal and professional lives. And if stress reaches the point of burn out, it can affect your health drastically. So it is very important to fight it and overcome its ill effects. Here are 8 fun ways by which you can reduce your stress levels and can be both mentally and physically well.
1. Reduce stress by means of affectionate activities
Release of the brain hormone ‘oxytocin’ lowers blood pressure, calms your nerves and tames stress. Oxytocin is triggered to release by affectionate activities like touching, kissing, cuddling, hugging and having sex.
2. Swear it off
You mother taught you not to swear, that swearing brings on the wrath of God. Yes, swearing is bad. But it works wonders in releasing your stress. Swearing is one way of venting out your anger. And as anger leads to stress, swear your way to a stress free life.
3. indulge yourself in chocolate treats
If you normally curb your chocolate cravings, you can now indulge yourself for the sake of a stress free life. Studies show that dark chocolate contains antioxidant flavonoids which are known to minimize risk of heart disease and reduce blood pressure. Avoid the milk chocolate and go for the lower fat dark chocolate. You can also try the organic chocolates.
4. Rub your hoku
Hoku is the flap of skin on your palm that connects your pointer finger to your thumb. It is an acupressure spot. Studies show that, when pressed, it can reduce stress by up to 39 percent. Try pressing your hoku whenever you feel stresses. You can also go for body massaging. Else you can ask your spouse to give you a foot massage or neck massage at home to relax your stressed muscles.
5. Laughter is the best medicine
Laughter is the best medicine and it is no different in the case of stress. Laughing releases stress hormones like dopac, cortisol and epinephrine. Even anticipated laughter can reduce stress. When you feel all stressed out, watch funny movies, videos or read comic strips. So open YouTube and search for funny videos today to laugh your way out of stress.
6. Have fun with pets and children
Pets are amazing stress busters. They can easily wear your stress out. Play with them, go for a ride with your dog or just run around. Any fun activity with them will reduce your stress levels. And if you do not have pets but children, the better. You can spend quality time with your kids and at the same time relieve your stressed mind and body. And if you have both pets and children, double the fun. More, the merrier.
7. Get close to nature
Gardening is also a great way to relieve stress. Plants and flowers elicit a positive environment and go a long way in reducing stress. The simple act of sticking your hands in the soil and tending to your plants can calm you down. So get in touch with Mother Nature to reduce your stress levels.
8. Embrace clutter
If you are a cleanliness freak, let’s go out of control to reduce stress. Many of us insists on keeping our home and rooms neat and organized for the sake of productivity and sanity. Well, the concept is gone now. Studies show that a little mess can actually increase creativity and reduce anxiety.
