Healthbeat by Deirdre Cox BakerStress begone
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008I’m one of those people not known for being either calm or laid back.
My stress level, for example, should be at historic lows these days as I no longer have daily concerns about the resident teenager (she’s away at college), and I absolutely love most aspects of life.
Nevertheless, I might end up home on Friday afternoons, all bent out of shape and difficult to deal with, stressed as can be from the work-week. Or, I get a stomach ache from stress as this activity approaches, or that deadline is in view.
If you are in my company at all, take a look at some easy ways to reduce your stress level.
Stretch
Stretching is a simple, quick and free way to reduce stress.
Physically, we hold a lot of stress and tension in our muscles … when we exercise (or stretch), it releases endorphins, or positive chemicals, in our bodies,” Dr. Wanda Holloway of Burrell Behavioral Health, told a reporter from the Springfield, Mo., News Leader.
There are types of stretches for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Activities that increase a person’s heart rate, such as stretching, build the body up. The result is greater relaxation, reduced blood pressure and the release of toxins from the body, Holloway says.
Put an air freshener in your car
Pleasant smells can create a positive association with other things in our lives, Holloway says. Conversely, bad odors may cause a negative or stressful reaction.
And getting a fresh scent in your vehicle does not have to cost money: Consider picking some fresh flowers and taking them with you for a drive.
Don’t wear tight clothing
Wearing tight clothing or shoes adds to general discomfort, Holloway says. It is a stressor that we are constantly aware of throughout the day and lessens our ability to focus on other, more important things in our lives,” she says. “All we can think of is, ‘When I get home I have to get this off.”
Cook
Cooking, especially with a child or loved one, can reduce stress by allowing people to relax while doing an activity that gives them direction, Holloway says.
Cooking with ingredients you already have is a good stress-relieving activity because it doesn’t require a trip to the grocery store and can provide more time for communication in the kitchen.
But be aware that stress can lead to overeating: “Just make sure you’re not eating everything you’re cooking,” Holloway says with a laugh.
Garden
Gardening gets people up and moving without being too strenuous, Holloway says. “Garden with a friend or alone,” Holloway says. “(Either way) a garden is a wonderful stress reliever.”
If you don’t have a garden, being outside in general is a good way to reduce stress because it gives opportunities to relax or exercise: Try sipping lemonade on the porch or going for a jog.