Almost every day we encounter stressors that either make us or break us. And when do break us, it's not really nice. Nobody wants to be down and stressed, and nobody wants to hear glasses being smashed everywhere. But stress occurs, and it's up to us how to respond to it. Sounds like you've read something like this before? Well read on because you need a reminder. Here
are some of the things you can do to fight that unwanted stress.
1. Exercise. Walking not only makes you fit, it could also relax your tense muscles, and gives you time to think through more clearly. Sometimes the solution to that one problem you've been dying to solve will come out when you least expect it. So take a brisk walk outside. Other recommended forms of physical activities are tai chi and yoga. They both soothe the muscles,
and make you have that quiet time with yourself.
2. Meditation. It greatly relaxes the mind by directing your attention onto an
object. Health benefits are reported from meditating everyday, like lowered blood pressure and increased blood flow. I'm not the best person to give you an advice about the best way to meditate, but if you want to give it a try, then pick a book for beginners and practice meditating everyday, before you see the results.
3. Breathing. Taking long deep breaths and directing all your attention to each breath you take in a form of relaxation. Do it every day, especially when stressors attack you.
4. Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a known stress buster. Our adrenal glands release cortisol that triggers the "flight or fight" response to stress, allowing us to spring into action when we sense danger. But frequent exposure to situations that cause high levels of stress hormones impairs one's learning and memory, making us more susceptible to depression.
In one German study, 120 people were subjected to a public speaking task with math problems. Half of them were given 1,000 mg of Vitamin C while the other half weren't. Those who got the vitamin reported being less stressed.
In another study, Vitamin C fed to rats undergoing stress had decreased their
cortisol levels and prevented then from showing signs of physical and emotional stress, like weight gain.
Take your daily doses of Vitamin C found in fruits and vegetables, and is also
available in supplement form.
5. Herbal teas. If you want to be relaxed, there is a way for you to achieve that without taking medications. There are some herbs that are known to relax the mind. Make a tea out of Chamomile, hops and lemon balm. They are available in your health stores.
Not every stressful situation is bad. A public speaking or work presentation molds us into better people, and makes us realize that we are capable of doing and overcoming big hurdles. How we respond to the world around us is in our hands, and the less we react negatively, the less stress there is, making us happier and more peaceful. Take care!
