7 Ways To Relax And Avoid Stress Immediately

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We all get exhausted every now and then. There are crucial deadlines we need to meet at work or daily errands we have to do like taking the kids to school, cleaning the house, among other things. It’s no wonder why most people feel so overwhelmed and burnt out. However, the trick to surviving the daily grind is to be mindful of what is going on and to have the determination to do something about it.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep stress at bay. Here are seven tips that can help you relax and reduce stress right away.

  1. Get enough sleep. Your mood is directly affected by how well you sleep. Insufficient sleep can quickly make you irritable and more prone to stress. On the other hand, the National Sleep Foundation suggests that healthy sleep positively impacts your overall mood and wellness.
  2. Do things one at a time. Try to avoid multi-tasking. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, multi-tasking is counter-productive and leads to a higher risk of causing damage to the brain because of the elevated levels of adrenaline and other stress hormones produced in the body.
  3. Stop smoking. Smokers who quit improved their mood dramatically because they’re no longer dependent on cigarettes and remove other harmful substances from the body, according to researchers at the Universities of Birmingham, Oxford, and Kings College London.
  4. Nurture loving relationships. Being able to share your feelings and problems with another person you have a good relationship with can keep your heart, mind, and body healthy and even prolong your lifespan, as suggested by therapist and social worker, Sally R. Connolly of the Couples Clinic of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.
  5. Go for an extended run. Engaging in physical activity can help release endorphins, those feel-good neurotransmitters that can effectively curb your anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience revealed that exercising any major muscle group in your body helps in eliminating the stress you accumulate each day.
  6. Spend quality time with your furry friends. If you have a pet dog or cat, you’re in luck. Arden Moore, an animal expert and author of numerous pet books, says that hanging out with any kind of animal can significantly benefit your well-being. Just by simply petting your dog or cat can relax you and may even lower your blood pressure.
  7. Have sex or pleasure yourself. A study published in PLOS ONE titled Sexual Experience Promotes Adult Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus Despite an Initial Elevation in Stress Hormones revealed that having regular intercourse can boost cell growth in the hippocampus, an essential part of your brain that is responsible for keeping your stress levels in check. Your body also releases oxytocin, a hormone that acts as a natural sedative that can help you feel relaxed.

So the next time you feel like you’re going to implode because of the day-to-day pressures and anxiety, remember to step back, take a breather, and do any of the tips listed above. Bid stress farewell and say hello to a better, healthier you.