How to Ease stress in a Healthy Way

This list will help you cope with stress.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Listen to soothing music

2. Pet a cat or dog

3. Laugh - watch a comedy or talk to your favorite friends

4. Exercise - yoga is great for stress, swimming, walking, and running. Aerobic exercises increase level of endorphins ("happiness" hormones) and relief stress.

5. Eat healthy - Found in white fish, fish oil and canola oil, nuts, omega-3 fatty acids benefit people with depression and anxiety. Add magnesium and vitamin B to your diet. B6 is found in bananas, turkey, tuna and sweet potatoes, among other foods and magnesium in CHOCOLATE (mostly dark chocolate).

6. Spend an evening (or a day) with a good friend at least once a week

7. Breathe - deep breaths will clear your head and lower blood pressure. Focusing on how the breath is traveling through your body works like meditation.

8. Drink herbal tea - herbal tea does not contain caffeine. Caffeine may add to your stress, because it contains stress hormone, cortisol. Chamomile is a mild sleep aid, digestive aid and anti-inflammatory.

9. Get a massage. Find someone who can give you massage - a professional, significant other, someone from your family, yourself, or massaging devices.

10. Get plenty of sleep - 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

11. Set limits for your work - allow some time for sleep (7-8 hours) and personal life.

12. Talk to a therapist if stress takes control over your life. If you cannot handle it yourself, let someone help you.

13. Don't smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products. Nicotine can make you feel more stressed out. Stay away from alcohol. It does not solve problems and increases overall stress levels. Avoid caffeine. Try green, black or white tea instead.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are in stress - ask friends and family for help. They will be a good support, if they know about your problems.

[vikki9]

on 8/31/2008 Good information. Thank you.