The effectiveness of these elementary methods has been confirmed by research. Read on to find out more.
1. Breathe deeply
This advice is simple, like everything, ingenious. Taking deep breaths in and out is a quick way to reduce stress levels. According to research, proper breathing normalizes blood pressure and relaxes the body. At the same time, it is important to think about abstract topics. If you continue to solve a stressful problem in your head, this method will be ineffective.
2. Laugh more
Don’t reproach yourself for watching funny videos on YouTube or another episode of a sitcom. You are not procrastinating; you are dealing with mental stress. Laughter lowers the levels of stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
However, scientists managed to prove that already one premonition of fun has a similar effect. That is, to improve mood and relaxation, it is enough to learn about the release of a new series of your favorite humorous show, and watching it will consolidate the result.
Read also: Meditation on Science: How Mantras and Deep Breathing Really Help
3. Make a to-do list and cross out unnecessary things from it
A clear action plan will allow you to rank tasks as urgent and those that are not. With a to-do list in hand, it’s easier to focus, assess how long it will take to complete them, and relax. At the same time, feel free to postpone until tomorrow what you can not necessarily do today. Excessive requirements for yourself are one of the most common causes of stress.
4. Give up alcohol
The relaxation drink is actually driving you into a vicious circle. According to research, acute stress provokes more alcohol consumption, and alcohol raises stress levels. So a little sobriety on the way to relaxation doesn’t hurt.
5. Get exercise
Exercise fuels the brain’s stress buffers. The production of the hormone of joy – endorphin, so the hardships of life are easier to bear.
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6. Eat chocolate
The research was done where medical students ate 40 grams of dark or milk chocolate daily. The control group dispensed with this sweetness. After 14 days, there was a decrease in stress levels among students who ate chocolate. At the same time, the delicacy worked on women more effectively than on men.
7. Maintain your family budget
According to the American Psychological Association, financial matters have a detrimental effect on US residents. Obviously, money isn’t just stressing Americans. To make yourself less nervous, manage your family budget, considering all expenses and planning expenses. In this case, you do not have to fear that finances have already delayed romances, and the salary is not soon.
Also read: 6 Ways to Stay Productive with a Flexible Schedule
8. Read books
Researchers at the University of Sussex prove that even six minutes of reading is enough to reduce stress levels by 68%. According to scientists, the human mind focuses on the literary world’s vicissitudes while reducing the muscles’ tension, including the heart. For maximum effect, it is worth reading good literature, not chatting on the Internet.
9. Get enough sleep
Easier said than done advice. However, getting adequate sleep is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress. Based on research results on stress and sleep, the level of anxiety is much lower in people who sleep more than 8 hours a day on average. Those who fall short of 7 o’clock complain of feeling unwell, lethargy, and inability to concentrate.
Adapted and translated by The Cop Cart Staff
Sources: Life hacker
