April is Stress Awareness Month. There are many beneficial long-term ways to help reduce stress, but sometimes we just need a quick fix. Here are 10 quick ways to reduce stress!
Breathe- Take slow, deep breaths. This will help lower blood pressure and your heart rate.
Take a walk- Even a quick 5-minute stroll around the yard, block, or office parking lot will help clear the mind, plus you will get a little physical exercise.
Count to 10- To calm down anxious thoughts, try counting up to 10 and then back down again.
Stretch- During a stressful day, try standing up and doing a shoulder roll or chest opening stretches.
Eat Chocolate- Studies show that a small piece of dark chocolate regulates levels of cortisol and stabilizes metabolism- so go ahead, indulge!
Cuddle with a Pet- Nothing is better than a snuggle with a pet after a long day.
Meditate- Take 5 minutes and reap the many benefits of meditation. Find a comfortable spot in a quiet place, focus on your breath and calm your thoughts.
Green Tea- Green tea contains L-theanine, which is a chemical that helps relieve anger.
Yoga- Yoga is widely known to help with relaxation, peace of mind, and stress relief.
Progressive muscle relaxation- Focus on slowly tightening and relaxing individual muscle groups. Doing this along with breathing techniques promotes relaxation and tension release.
Everyone has different ways of dealing with stress, so find what works best for you. If you feel chronically overwhelmed and stressed, seek out help from a professional, whether it be a doctor or therapist. You are important. Make your mental and physical health a priority!
For more tips on reducing stress, visit: https://www.colorado.edu/law/25-quick-ways-reduce-stress