Science has shown that stress in your life causes stress on your heart. Stress and anxiety are common experiences for most people.
In fact, 70% of adults in the US say they feel stress or anxiety daily. i won’t stress you out with the details, but you should know that you are the only one who can do something about your stress. If eliminating the stressor from your life is not an option, you can still certainly do some things to balance it out…right now
1. BREATHE! Inhale for an 8-count, hold for 8, slowly exhale for an 8-count. Repeat as needed. Deep breathing exercises can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the relaxation response. This helps slow your heart rate, allowing you to feel more peaceful.
2. WALK…or whatever your exercise of choice may be. Putting physical stress on your body through exercise can relieve mental stress. The benefits are strongest when you exercise regularly. People who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t exercise. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones — such as cortisol. It also helps release endorphins, which are chemicals that improve your mood and act as natural painkillers.o make you laugh. Have fun! Be well!
3. LISTEN TO SOOTHING MUSIC! Slow-paced instrumental music can induce the relaxation response by helping lower blood pressure and heart rate as well as stress hormones. I like to listen to music with either no words or in a language I cannot understand, so I can mind trip with my own interpretation of the music and greatly reduce the risk of triggering memories. Some types of classical, Celtic, Native American and Indian music can be particularly soothing, but simply listening to the music you enjoy is effective too. So pick one, or pick three, or do some self-care for your heart of your own design, but do do something today. I said do do! ? Oh yeah:
4. LAUGH! In the long term, laughter can also help improve your immune system and mood. A study among people with cancer found that people in the laughter intervention group experienced more stress relief than those who were simply distracted. Try watching a funny TV show or hanging out with friends who make you laugh. Have fun! Be well!
