by Amber White •
ChiroHealthUSA Social Media Specialist
Have you found yourself feeling more stressed out and stretched to your limits recently? If anxiety is a part of the equation, it can feel like there is little to no hope of experiencing joy soon. This kind of thinking is not helpful to anyone’s morale. You must keep in mind that your current state of displeasure or stress is only temporary. There is light at the end of the tunnel. While you wait for your next wave of contentment, here are a few tips and tricks you can utilize to help relieve stress today.
Consider Essential Oils
The use of scents to treat your mood is call aromatherapy. Essential oils, which are found in candles and used in diffusers, can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. A few scents are exceptionally soothing. Lavender, rose, sandalwood, orange blossom, and bergamot are a few known calming scents.
Scribble Out Your Problems
One method used to help handle stress is writing things down. Jotting down stressors allows one to acknowledge the issue, vent out frustrations to a non-judgmental ear, and possibly come up with workable solutions to tackle the problems. Want a more positive approach? Try recording what you are grateful for. Gratitude can help alleviate stress by focusing your thoughts on the positives in your life.
Exercise
Now, this may not be everyone’s first choice to combat stress, but exercise is an excellent stress reliever. Putting physical stress on your body reduces mental stress, and benefits are most significant for those who exercise regularly. Exercise lowers the body’s stress hormones like cortisol, helps release endorphins, improves sleep quality, and boosts confidence. Find activities you enjoy such as walking, dancing, rock climbing, or yoga so that you will stick to an exercise routine.
Chew Gum
A peculiar yet somewhat helpful way of relieving stress is to chew a stick of gum. Chewing gum produces brain waves similar to those of relaxed people and promotes your brain’s blood flow. One study found the harder people chewed, the greater the reduction of their stress. So, if you’re in a pinch and need a super easy stress reliever, reach for your nearest pack of gum.
Spend Time with Family or Friends
Carving out time to connect with loved ones is one of the easiest ways of reducing stress. This social support can help your get through stressful times because it allows the brain to release oxytocin, a natural stress reliever. This makes perfect sense because not only do our family and friends provide a huge distraction from our stressors, but they are usually a great source of joy and laughter. One study found that men and women with few social connections were more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety
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