It is important at every age to find balance among the body, mind, and behavior, and regular physical activity and social support can help reduce the burden of chronic stress. Try the techniques below, singly or together, to keep daily stress at bay:
Relaxation response
Deep abdominal breathing, focus on a soothing word, visualization of tranquil scenes, repetitive prayers, yoga, and tai chi are just a few of the approaches that can prompt the relaxation response and decrease stress.
Physical activity
Exercise is often recommended for people who complain of stress, although it also beneficial to children, teens, and adults who don’t experience high levels of stress. Exercises such as brisk walking increase the heart rate and relieve muscle tension caused by stress. Movement therapies like yoga, tai chi, and qi gong combine fluid movements with deep breathing and mental focus to create calm.
Social support
Peer relationships; friendships; and communication with colleagues, spouses, or other companions provide daily enhancements to stress relief. People who have close relationships with family and friends garner emotional support that has been proven beneficial during times of anxiety.
Nutrition
The human body depletes stores of important nutrients like protein and vitamins B, C, and A when under stress. Research shows that prolonged stress or risk of hypertension can be reduced by consuming foods high in potassium such as orange juice, squash, potatoes, apricots, limes, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, and peaches; other stress-relieving snacks include yogurt, cheese, tofu, and chickpeas.
Alternative therapies
Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, massage therapy, relaxation, and music therapy have also shown to be successful stress management tools.