6 Ways to Lower Your Stress Level

6 Ways To Lower Your Stress Level.

Stress is something that everyone deals with at some point, and is a natural emotion that unfortunately is hard to avoid. It can, if not dealt with, take a toll on both your body and mind, making you feel fatigued and susceptible to illness. Here are six ways to relax and refocus in those times when you might be feeling a little stressed.

Deep Breathing Exercises

The next time you feel stressed, try performing a simple deep breathing exercising. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, hold it for 3-5 seconds and exhale. Repeat this process for 5 minutes or as needed and you should notice an improvement in your stress levels. Deep breathing exercises such as this slows down your heart rate and blood pressure while also reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Laugh

Laughter really is the best medicine, especially when it comes to stress. Get your girlfriends together for dinner (there is always laughter involved at some point) or put on a funny movie or TV show. Laughter will naturally reduce your stress levels by promoting the release of happy hormones known as endorphins.

Pamper Yourself

There's no better way to relax than by pampering yourself.  Go get a massage, a blow-out or a pedicure and I promise you will walk away feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.

Go Outside

There is nothing like a little vitamin-D and being around nature to help you feel better. In fact, researchers are discovering that surrounding yourself with nature is one of the most powerful stress-relievers out there. The next time you start to feel stressed, grab your shoes and head outside for a walk.

Light a Scented Candle

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to treat a variety of adverse medical conditions and illnesses, including stress. Even today, it remains a safe, all-natural solution to lower your stress levels. Whether it's a scented diffuser, candle, oil, incense, etc., add some pleasurable scents to your environment and you'll reap the benefits of lower stress levels.

Write About It

Writing your problems down in a journal may also lower your stress levels. Even if no one ever reads it (other than you), just the practice of keeping a journal will help. It takes the stress off your shoulders to to speak, placing them on paper instead.

How do you de-stress? Tell us on Twitter @ColRothschild