Stress has become a regular part of our lives, unfortunately. Modern lifestyles are hectic, over-scheduled, and abundant in tension. More than half of Americans are concerned about the level of stress they suffer every day.
Things have gone even worse in the last several months, due to the coronavirus pandemic. We can tolerate being on overdrive from time to time, but stress wreaks havoc on the body if it is your chronic mode of operation.
High stress levels have been linked to increases in brain thinning and decreased amounts of crucial gray matter in the brain. Plus, stress makes one more prone to illness, increases blood pressure, lowers the sex drive, and leads to addictive behaviors.
Therefore, we should all find effective tools to reduce it. Medical treatments are helpful, but most solutions are long-term.
Therefore, we decided to share 15 effective and fast strategies you can try during these difficult times, suggested by scientists:
1. Yoga is excellent for stress, as the light exercise combined with deep breathing soothes the mind and body.
2. Meditation clears the mind and helps you stay grounded.
3. Progressive relaxation is the gradual relaxation of every body muscle, felt like “slowly sinking into the couch”.
4. Breathing exercises are of great help in stressful situations, as they lower blood pressure.
5. Massage is one of the most potent stress-relieving strategies.
6. Aromatherapy relieves stress, due to the association between the smells of the oils.
7. Listening to music is an incredibly effective calming activity, as music triggers biochemical stress reducers.
8. A walk in nature is one of the fastest ways to deal with stress. Even looking at pictures of nature can boost your resilience to stress.
9. Exercise elevates endorphin levels and contributes to a healthier mind.
10. One study found that religious college students were less stressed than their non-religious counterparts.
11. Sex is an excellent stress-reliever.
12. Black tea lowers cortisol levels, a hormone linked to stress.
13. Time spent with your pet will cure all your wounds.
14. Writing decreases stress levels, as it means putting the emotions onto paper, and coping with them.
15. Laughter is the best medicine, and it lowers stress.
Finding a way to combat stress is not important for your wellbeing only, but it will also improve your relationships and will make you more effective at work.
At the same time, all these activities bring much pleasure, so make sure you enjoy them even when you are not stressed and you will dramatically boost the quality of your life!
