Best Ways to Relax
Confidential Guidance
Call, Don't Text
A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that hearing someone's voice over the phone has the ability to lower the listener's stress levels and boost the cuddle hormone oxytocin in your bod. Getting a text doesn't have the same effect.
Snack on Citrus
Noshing on an orange or grapefruit—even adding a little lemon in your iced tea—can improve your mood.
Smile (Seriously)
According to research from the University of Kansas, grinning helps you relax when you're stressed out. After putting people through stressful tasks, researchers discovered that the smilers had lower heart rates and reported feeling less frazzled than those who didn't smile.
Have an Awesome Experience
A series of studies from Stanford University found that having an "awesome" experience (seeing the Northern Lights, checking out a huge building, admiring a beautiful sunset) helps you chill out and be happier.
Ditch the Trash-Talk
Experts say that when you're negative, it's contagious to the people around you (and then you're surrounded by negativity, which doesn't exactly help your stress level). If you find yourself wanting to vent about someone, write it in your diary instead.
Use a Lamp
Research shows that harsh overhead lighting can ramp up your stress and make you feel irritable. Soft lighting, on the other hand, can soothe you.
Grab Coffee with Friends
A study found that getting your caffeine fix in a group lowered stress levels. That said, sipping coffee alone made people feel more stressed, so definitely grab a buddy before you go.
Do a (Short) Workout
Research found that short, high-intensity workouts have a greater effect on stress than slow-paced exercise does. So to max out your chill time, hit the treadmill on high for 20 minutes in lieu of an hour of yoga.
Comments