Uncontrolled stress has many harmful health effects that can ultimately lead to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more. Chronic stress affects many systems throughout the body you may not even realize like your immune system, digestive, and endocrine systems. To avoid the long term effects of chronic stress and help you lead a healthier and vibrant life, sample any of these 7 Tips To Control Daily Stress & Anxiety.
1. Meditation
This can be a powerful tool to negate the effects of stress. Meditation can take many forms and can be as simple as sitting quietly with your breath. Regular meditation has been shown to actually reduce cells in amygdala of your brain - responsible for fear, stress, and anxiety and increase gray matter that promotes cognition, movement, and learning. Some studies are even suggesting regular meditation could be as effective as anti-depressant drugs.
2. Physical Activity
We specifically did not use the term “exercise” here. Physical activity like gardening, walking, riding a bike, and doing daily chores can serve to lower stress and anxiety. Simply by being physically active, you are promoting better range of motion, circulation, and strengthening the body, all which help to reduce stress.
3. Spending Time Outdoors
Did you know that some physicians are now prescribing a “Day In Nature” to help their patients manage chronic stress? Studies show that being outdoors lowers cortisol (a stress-inducing hormone), boosts your mood, and lowers your heart rate. Here in New Orleans, our sub-tropical climate only allows a small window to enjoy these benefits so make sure you start your day outside early!
4. Slow Down
Rushing around from place-to-place and over-committing yourself can lead to stress and anxiety. This is because you are adding more stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine into circulation which can also impede the function of your immune and digestive systems.
5. Laugh
Believe it, or not, laughter has been suggested to be key in living to 100. Many centenarians on the island of Ikaria, Greece claim that laughter and dancing have kept them living long and vibrant lives. The science behind laughter would support their theory. Laughter has been shown to have many positive health benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved mood, stronger immunity, and can alleviate pain in the body.
6. Quality Sleep
Adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep each night according to Mayo Clinic. Sleep loss, or frequently interrupted sleep can have devastating systemic health effects like increased risk for high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and more. Ways to improve your quality of sleep include consistency in your schedule, getting regular exercise, limiting caffeine, and even mindfulness to soothe a nervous system on overdrive.
7. Massage
The physical touch that you receive through massage is an excellent way to lower stress. A one-hour massage can be just enough to lower cortisol, and release endorphins and serotonin hormones to promote relaxation and boost your mood. The welcoming presence of serotonin and endorphins make it easier to fight off negative feelings and emotions that lead to depression, anxiety, and pain.
If you’re interested in lowering or managing your stress through massage, we can help! You can book your first massage with us with a 100% money back guarantee – meaning if you were not satisfied with your session, don’t pay for it! Book your session by calling us at (504) 407-3477.