Six steps to reduce stress

SIX ANTI-STRESS TIPS TO REDUCE STRESS

• Exercise
• Regular exercise can help deal stress better contrary to popular opinion, research shows that it’s probably not the release of endorphins that’s responsible for but rather the release of norepinephrine, which helps the body cope with stress.
• Whatever the cause, exercise does wonders to overcome and prevent stress.
• Meditation.
• Meditation can take many forms.
• Simply doing light stretching, deep breathing, yoga or tai chi can help.
• Take a break.
• If work project or the kids are driving you crazy, take a break.
• Sometimes taking a break and doing something completely different can help.
• Go outside.
• Changing surroundings can help reduce your stress.
• Have lunch outside.
• Instead of doing the conference call your desk, do it while taking a walk outside.
• Read that report in the shade.
• There’s something magical that happens when we are outside that just doesn’t happen under the glow of fluorescent lights.
• Take deep breaths.
• This one is so simple and so effective!
• Create triggers throughout the day to remind you to do this, like every time you make a phone call, stop at a red light, eat, take a drink, go to the bathroom, etc.
• Plan a vacation.
• Planning a vacation can give you a mental boost, even if you can’t afford to go on one.
• Research shows that the happiness you get from actually going on a vacation wears off much faster than you think (about two weeks).
• Sit down and dream a little.
• Plan a trip, whether it’s a month from now or two years from now but start thinking about it.

Reference: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ct-tribu-pagliarini-reduce-stress-column,0,5692914.column