Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common experiences for most people. Whether you are working or stay-at-home, stress won’t spare anyone. Here are simple ways to relieve stress and anxiety.

• Breathe Deeply

Breathing exercises can help you relax. It is a vital function of life. In yoga, we refer to this as "Pranayama". Pranayama plays an important role in nourishing the body. Every cell in our body needs oxygen to function properly. Research shows that a regular practice of controlled breathing can decrease the stress and increase overall physical and mental health.

• Squeeze a Stress Ball

After fidget spinners and bracelets, stress balls are the new favorite gadget people like to use to fight stress, reduce tension and also, in some ways, help in anger management. The theory behind stress ball suggests that, when you are continuously squeezing a squishy ball you are actually redirecting the stress and anxiety to the ball and thus soothing and relaxing the tension.

• 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. Nature sounds can also be very calming.

• Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to combat 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. Exercising not only helps you destress, it also protects against heart disease by lowering your blood pressure, strengthening your heart muscle, and helping you maintain a healthy weight.

• Laugh

Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase good cholesterol. It’s hard to feel anxious when you’re laughing. Laughter can also help improve your immune system.