Healthy You: Reducing Stress

Stress – it affects us all! Relaxing is not always easy, but it is good for you, and it takes less time than you think. Reduce your stress with some of these easy tips.

• Meditate: It’s easy and only takes a few minutes. Research shows that daily meditation alters the
  brain’s neutral pathways, which makes you more resilient to stress.
• Breathe Deeply: Take 5 minutes to sit down and focus on your breathing. Deep breathing can slow
  your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
• Reach Out: Connecting with others is a great way to reduce stress. Spending time doing things you
  love with family and friends gives you a chance to share your feelings and get a fresh perspective
  while keeping strong connections.
• Slow Down: Focus on one behavior with awareness. Take a walk and notice how the air feels on your
  face or the sun feels on your skin. Spending time in the moment can reduce tension.
• Laugh Out Loud: A good laugh can not only lighten your load mentally, but it can lower your body’s
  stress hormone, and help your mood by boosting brain chemicals.
• Crank Up the Tunes: Pick some favorites and sing at the top of your lungs, or listen to nature
  sounds like the ocean or birds singing. Allow your mind to focus on melodies and instruments.
  Research shows that music can lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety.
• Get Moving: You don’t have to run to get moving – take time to enjoy yoga, take a brisk walk, or
  do some stretching exercise like head rolls and shoulder shrugs. All forms of exercise can ease
  depression and anxiety and let your body reduce stress.
• Sleep: This is the most important natural stress reliever. Too little can leave you irritable, but too
  much can leave you sluggish. The right balance can help you to feel well-rested and ready for the day.
  Establishing a bedtime routine such as a warm bath, or reading for a few minutes, will signal your
  brain that it’s time to fall asleep.