Jonathan Farber PhD: Ways To Reduce Stress

WAYS TOREDUCESTRESS

CREATED BY JONATHAN FARBER PH.D

Unfortunately, we all get stressedout from time to time – some moreoften than others. Whether it’s a

quickened heart-rate, sweaty palms,or the feeling of being overwhelmed,stress is something we don’t choose

but experience nonetheless.

The good news is that we have theability to reset ourselves and

relieve stress very quickly. Hereare a few simple ways you can

relieve stress and live a healthierlifestyle:

Take Deep Breaths

Taking deep breaths helps to reduce tension andrelieve stress because it gives you an oxygen boost.

“While shallow breathing – amarker of stress – stimulates the

sympathetic nervous system,reported NPR, deep breathing does

the opposite: It stimulates theparasympathetic reaction, which

helps us to calm down,”

-HUFFINGTON POST

Go for a walk for at least 10 minutes.

Walking helps not only to clear your head, but it increasesthe amount of endorphins in your brain, which in turn

reduces your stress hormones.

-HUFFINGTON POST

Walking outsidesurrounded by nature is agreat way to relieve stress

because it can “actually put your body

into a state of meditation,thanks to a phenomenon

known as ‘involuntaryattention’ during which

something holds ourattention, but

simultaneously allows forreflection,"

Buy houseplants.

Buying houseplants isanother way to help

relieve stress becausethey induce your

relaxation response.

Listen to soothing music.

This is a great technique to do before you go to bed becausehearing classical, or other types of calming music, slowsyour heart rate, decreases levels of stress hormones, and

lowers your blood pressure. As the saying goes, musicreally is the medicine of the mind.