DIY relaxation

Stress is often seen as a negative effect on the body, but it is very essential to life. It is the “fight or flight” system that is naturally part of our survival system. Stress is bad when it overwhelmingly impacts our health equilibrium.

Stress is associated with higher levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Accumulated unmanaged stress can lead to major physical and psychological illness, including depression, overeating, excessive sleep, and irritability. While it is impossible to avoid stress completely, it is possible to manage your stress.

Most people know that meditation, massage, exercising (including yoga) and getting proper sleep greatly helps, but there are many other ways to allay stress as well.

Drink tea

Green tea lowers your blood pressure and is full of antioxidants beneficial for your health. In one study, black tea helped lower cortisol and reduced stress after six weeks of drinking tea more so than subjects who were drinking placebo drinks.

Stress relief with a pet

One study showed that patients experienced a 37 percent reduction in anxiety if they spent time with animals before their medical operations. Watching fish in an aquarium has also been shown to reduce your blood pressure.

Deep, slow breathing

By taking deep, slow breaths, your blood pressure and heart rate also slows down, which counteracts the effects of stress. This also allows you to relax and clear your thoughts, and is largely used in meditation. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and help folks with depression.

Guided visualization

This is a technique that many people use to relax and achieve their goals. It allows people to imagine and consciously think about issues and helps people get in touch with their intuition.

Aromatherapy

Certain plant oils have been found to relieve nervous tension or anxiety. The scents of certain plants, such as lavender, can ease our stress. These scents can create a calming mood for us and some may even bring us memories or thoughts associated with the smell.

Enjoy a hot bath

A hot bath, especially if infused with sea salt, can help relieve the tension on your muscles and lessen pain. It also promotes blood circulation and calms the nervous system.

Listen to music

Certain music gets people in certain moods or thoughts. A study has shown that patients in post surgery who listened to music had lower stress levels than those who did not listen to music.

Try a craft

Finding a hobby and keeping your hands busy will distract your mind from stressors. It is used quite often as a therapeutic healing method and allows you to express yourself in an artistic way.

Write down your thoughts

Keeping a journal or diary allows you to express yourself and your feelings. It is thought to help you organize your thoughts, and reflect on your choices. Your journal is also a place for you to let your emotions out that you wouldn’t let out otherwise.

Laugh

Going to a comedy show or watching a funny movie will help manage your stress. One study showed that there are lower levels of the salivary endocrinological stress marker chromogranin A (CgA) in those who watched a humorous movie. Along with less stress, these subjects also reported a feeling of being uplifted and fulfilled.