6 Quick Ways to Cut Down on Stress
By Amber Page
Fall is well under way, bringing with it busier schedules, blustery weather, and encroaching holidays. And whether your daily life includes busy kids, a crazy work schedule, a heavy load of school work or some combination of all three, your stress level is bound to climb higher with each new responsibility.
But as you know, stress is bad for your health. It can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, anxiety and even depression.
It pays to do your best to keep your stress in check. Fortunately, de-stressing doesn't have to be a complicated process. With these tricks, you can bring your stress levels down in just a couple of minutes!
Breathe In Some Citrus
Peel an orange. Rub on some grapefruit-scented body lotion. Or rub a few drops of a citrus flavored essential oil between your palms and breathe it in. Whatever method you use, the scent of citrus is a surefire way to lessen anxiety.
Call Your Mom or Your BFF
When you're stressed out, touching base with a close friend or your mom can decrease your cortisol levels -- a hormone associated with stress -- and increase levels of oxytocin.
Concentrate on Your Breath
Doing a little deep breathing can do wonders for your stress level. And it's easy to do, too. Just take a moment to close your eyes, relax, and breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you inhale, imagine energy flowing through your body. On the exhale, imagine all the stress exiting through your mouth.
Take a Walk
Getting out in nature has been proven to help you relax. But you don't have to head for the forest to get the benefits. Just head outside to a park or any place where there's some greenery. Chances are you'll start breathing easier -- and feeling better.
Write in a Journal
Taking a few minutes to write about the things that are bothering you can go a long way toward getting them off your mind. You can also spend that time writing about things you're grateful for. Intentional gratitude has been proven to help people feel happier.
Listen to Nature Sounds
Plug in your headphones and put on a playlist of soothing ocean waves, peaceful forest sounds, or even a thunderstorm. Much like taking a walk, listening to natural sounds can help relax and soothe you.
These are just a few of the many ways you can cut down on stress without making a major time commitment.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Amarillo, Tex.