Manage Stress With These Tips
By Paul Rothbart
Into each life, some rain must fall. Sometimes a lot of rain. Occasionally a deluge. Things happen and that can cause stress. Statistics show that 70 percent of American adults experience anxiety and stress every day. That's a tough way to live. It can make it hard to focus on tasks, difficult to sleep, and even cause physical discomfort. Managing stress is essential to a happy and healthy life. There are things you can do to help.
Chewing Gum
Activity helps to relieve stress and something as simple as chewing a stick of gum can provide that activity. Working your jaws can be an excellent way to relieve stress. Science proposes that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain. The brain ways of people chewing gum are very similar to those of people who are relaxed. A study found a correlation between how hard participants chewed and how much their stress was reduced. In my younger days, I often chewed gum while playing baseball. It calmed my nerves and sliding into second base and coming up blowing a bubble was a lot of fun.
Move
I had a therapist who used to tell me, "Move a muscle, change a thought". If an activity as simple as chewing gum can relieve stress, think of what actual exercise can do. Many studies have found that people who exercise regularly have lower levels of stress than those who don't. Physical activity releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals, while also reducing the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Walk, run, bike, or play your favorite sport. It's one of the best ways to manage stress.
Take Notes
Jotting down the things that cause you stress has been shown to reduce the impact of those things and lessen your stress levels. This is a good reason to keep a journal. Some people prefer to write down the things they are grateful for. Practicing gratitude is another method that has been shown to effectively reduce anxiety.
Laughter
Whoever first said that laughter is the best medicine was a wise person. Laughing relaxes the muscles and reduces stress levels. Watch episodes of your favorite sitcom or comedic film. Hang out with your funny friends and have a blast joking with each other. However you do it, laughing can significantly reduce stress.
Stress is a part of life. There is no getting away from it. But it doesn't have to overwhelm you. Try these tips to manage your stress and feel less anxious, less often.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Derby, Kans.