People from all walks of life, doctors to agony aunts, have all advised you at some point or the other to cut down on the stress. However, it’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Well, you’ve come to the right place, oh weary traveler. Here are the top ten, easy-to-do, home remedies for stress relief and find peace of mind.
The number one killer of stress is also the number one killer of calories exercise. So take this excuse to get off your laptop and just run. Exercise pumps extra blood to the brain and gets rid of all the toxins that can block arteries. Alternatively, dancing, jumping, high paced yoga, or even punching a pillow can also help release tension.
Yes! Getting some shut eye will help release stress. Hilary Clinton is known to take power naps in between important meetings and on short flights. Apart from quick naps, a person should also get about 7-9 hours of sleep on average. Spend some quality time relaxing in bed before you actually sleep; it also helps in easing your stress levels.
While it may sound cheesy, writing out your feelings could be very helpful. You can either keep a journal of your emotions or you could tear these sheets after you finish writing. Getting it all out, in an organized manner, helps the brain to relax and you feel like a great weight has been lifted.
Soak up some vitamin D! Studies show that spending some time out in the warmth of a sunny afternoon alleviates bad moods and reduces stress. So, for health reasons, just get off your seat every day, and enjoy that much deserved sunshine-y stroll.
No seriously, smile. Smiling when feeling stressed or upset, confuses the mind. Facial triggers simulate those emotions in the mind, leading to a lessening of stress.
If it is another person who is stressing you out, it’s high time you have a conversation. Psychological studies show that when something is weighing on your mind, having a simple conversation with the other could actually ease your stress and heal wounding relationships. A best home remedy for stress!
Hey, would you look at that! Good old chocolate made it on the list. So here’s what your prescription should look like: consume about 40 grams of chocolate, every day, for two weeks to get rid of all those unwanted tensions and stress. And, please do not think about your weight as you do this as it will only worsen your condition!
Reading and giving your mind a break also lessens stress. Not only do you gain some knowledge, but you also give yourself some time to distance yourself from your problems, allowing your mind to calm itself. Pick some funky novels or may be a Tinkle! Light reading actually helps you laugh out, clearing your cluttered mind.
A well-kept secret is that, at the time of stress, the body releases the hormone dopamine, which is essentially the hormone related to the seeking of companionship. Your body is literally telling you to go out and confide in a friend, embrace your parents, or even hug your dog. Try it; it works!
Another lesser known but highly effective way to reduce stress is to simply view this stress as positive. In a large scale study conducted in the USA, a huge difference in the percentage of deaths was found in people who experienced stress as positive and those who viewed stress as a slow killer. Viewing stress as positive has the same effects on the body as the emotions of courage and exhilaration. So just making a simple change in perspective could actually save your life.
It goes without saying that eating healthy will also bring down your stress levels, avoid binging on deep fried food as this can trigger your hormones, and stress you out. Include salads, and fruits, and drink plenty of water to keep those stress levels down. Workout regularly! You will be surprised how these simple home remedies for stress can help you control your stress levels!