How to effectively reduce stress?

Some people find that when they are more restless or overwhelmed, their heart rate increases or they feel nauseous.

Usually, people tend to get stressed when they hear some unpleasant information about or from their family members.

In most cases, in such a situation, the release of stress hormones and an increase in blood pressure begins.

When a person is stressed, hormones like cortisol literally flood the body’s systems preparing our body for fight or flight.

This is the reason for the acceleration of the heart rate, which provokes a chain reaction and a person begins to breathe heavily and the blood vessels constrict.

In prehistoric times, the human body experienced stress only in dangerous situations, but now it is unable to recognize them.

For this reason, the body’s stress response is activated, even when a person is not facing immediate danger.

This contributes to chronic diseases such as hypertension, headaches and mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

The body’s response to stress can worsen other diseases or conditions such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia.

However, it is only the stress response that causes a person to go into action quickly, allowing them to then relax.

Since in most cases there is no way to avoid exposure to stressful situations, it is preferable to work towards reducing its effects by following appropriate stress relief techniques.

Below we look at some of the safest ways to relax and unwind the body that help most people deal with stress.

Meditate

Meditation is a great way to relax and helps calm the mind when you are under a lot of stress.

According to a study, meditation is beneficial in lowering heart rate and blood pressure. It also helps to improve cognitive functions.

It is easy to practice meditation. One simply needs to sit in a comfortable place, close one’s eyes, relax one’s muscles and concentrate on a specific thing for about 10 minutes.

This is one of the best techniques to reduce and deal with stress and to keep the mind calm and in excellent condition.

Drink green tea

Green tea contains an amino acid known as theanine, which promotes relaxation and gives a soothing taste.

Theanine is a caffeine antagonist and can neutralize the stimulating effects of caffeine. So avoid caffeinated beverages and opt for green tea, which serves as an effective mind relaxant.

Eat uplifting foods

Most people crave foods such as cookies, candy, ice cream, pretzels, and other sweet and starchy foods when they are stressed, anxious, or tense.

The calming effect of these foods observed in some people may be related to low levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that creates feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Simple carbohydrates from refined sugar have been shown to increase serotonin levels and induce feelings of contentment and calmness.

Although these treats provide instant gratification, they should be consumed with caution and in smaller quantities.

Listen to music

Listening to slow music is very calming. Such music creates conditions for a calm state of mind. Gentle music is helpful when one is preparing for a busy day at work.