Revealed: 8 ways to cut stress, according to a psychologist

They say that stress is a killer. But it may not necessarily be a fast one.

Low level stress, the kind produced from all life’s little worries, is related to a host of health issues.

The presence of this stress in our bodies may account for chronic muscle pain, headaches, digestion problems, and even more serious problems, like depression and heart disease.

They say that stress is a killer. But it may not necessarily be a fast one

There are many ways to deal with stress. We’ve listed eight points, mentioned by psychologist Emma Kenny in an interview with NetDoctor.

Exercise

Nature’s cure all is without a doubt exercise, and no surprise, it can also help with stress. Because stress hormones are specifically for boosting energy in the body, even light activity can help burn these hormones off.

Beverages

Coffee and alcohol are staples for people living in cities: one boosts you forward, while the other helps you relax at home. However, both can make you more anxious. Herbal and decaffeinated teas are far better for you.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION?

Meditation can be traced back to as early as 5000 BC.

It is associated with some philosophies and religions but is practiced as a secular, stress-relieving activity more and more.

A recent study revealed that meditation can reduce one’s risk of heart disease by decreasing risk factors that can lead to the illness.

Specifically, it found that the practices can lower one’s blood pressure and their anxiety and depression levels.

It can also help people quit smoking, which can lead to a fatal heart attack.

Experts are warning that healthy lifestyle changes such as being more physically active are still the surest way to ward off the disease, but adding that meditation can also decrease one’s chances.

Listen to what you love

Listening to music you particularly favour can reduce stress, according to a study, by dilating blood vessels and slowing blood flow.

Introverted or extroverted?

Kenny says: ‘Lots of people assume they need to spend quiet time on their own when they’re feeling stressed.

‘For some of us, a peaceful night in is essential for relaxation. But if you’re extroverted and get your energy from being around others, you may find too much time alone drains you.’

Mindfulness

Mindfulness has become a catch-all term for simply ‘being in touch’ with yourself. While mindfulness apps, like Headspace, can help you destress, so can simpler activities, like your favourite hobby, whether it’s painting model planes or gardening.

Go herbal

Herbal treatments for anxiety and stress, like lavender oil, have been shown to as effective as conventional medicine.

Research from the University of Exeter showed that walking in nature can improve a bad mood

‘Forest-bathing’

Known as Shinrin-yoku in Japan, forest bathing means simply immersing yourself in nature. Research from the University of Exeter showed that walking in nature can improve a bad mood.

Be thankful

Feeling gratitude can help. Listing five things you are grateful for each day has been proven to lift your mood and reduce stress by a study conducted in the US.

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