Life is hard. But when you get all bent out of shape about any of these daily stressors, it’s not just your mood that takes a hit. Your body has a physical reaction, as well. That headache-inducing, anxiety-producing feeling is your body’s way of trying to maintain balance in the midst of the madness, which it deals with in the only way it knows how: by signaling your adrenal glands to release the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline (which docs call epinephrine).
You don’t have to resign yourself to feeling frazzled. The key is remembering that stress is about your mindset: What distinguishes one person’s meltdown from another’s composure is their perception of control over the situation. When you start to feel tensions rise, take control by utilizing a proven stress-busting strategy.
Tea off
In a study at University College in London, volunteers drank the equivalent of a cup of black tea before completing two stressful tasks. Afterward, their cortisol levels dropped an average of 47 percent, compared with 27 percent for the people who didn’t imbibe.
Just say “%&* it!”
Swearing reduces stress, according to research published in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal. Now, I’m not saying that gives you a pass to drop F-bombs in the middle of your office, but a strategically placed expletive in the privacy of your car, kitchen, or bedroom can help you blow off steam.
Press the issue
Acupressure is a quick and effective tension reliever—it can reduce stress by up to 39 percent, according to researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. For fast relief, massage the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger for 20 to 30 seconds.
Treat yourself
Flavonoids in cocoa relax your body’s blood vessels so that arteries can dilate, reducing blood pressure, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Look for dark chocolate or cocoa powder, which have more of the stress-busting compounds than milk chocolate, and keep it to one serving.
Take a YouTube time-out
Just the anticipation of laughing significantly decreases levels of the stress hormones DOPAC, cortisol, and epinephrine, according to researchers at Loma Linda University in California.
Chew the fat
According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, people with the highest blood levels of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids are happier, less impulsive, and generally more agreeable. Boost your mood by adding foods rich in omega-3s—salmon, herring, and sardines top the list. Or try a daily supplement of 400 milligrams each of EPA and DHA fish oils.
