Stress can be a good thing.
And when stress stays, our body pays.
No wonder up to 90 percent of doctor visits are for stress-related ills.
That’s where SELF comes in.
If you’re pretty much always keyed up, try our daily de-stressors.
If Mondays do you in, give these once-a-week worry remedies a go.
If paying the bills ruins your mojo, follow the monthly tips.
Try them all, whenever and wherever you like, and get ready to live a more relaxed life.
Get your groove on.Music not only soothes the savage beast, it mollifies the slightly frazzled one as well.
In contrast, their counterparts who said their bit to the sound of silence turned into virtual stress monsters.
WatchThe Daily Show.Tuning in to Jon Stewart (or anyone who makes you smile) does a body good.
Not into late-night TV?
Call your funniest friend.
Simply knowing you’re in for a chuckle boosts immunity.
Exercise also increases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, the decision-making area.
“That’s why your thoughts start to flow on the treadmill,” McEwen says.
Play a word game.Don’t let meditation’s hippie-dippy reputation keep you from enjoying the rewards.
What are you waiting for?
Stop right there and do nothing.
Ditch the morning rush hour.
“This will help you start off on the right foot,” Zeer says.
Slowly roll out of bed and begin your day feeling more flexible.
“Happiness doesn’t depend on what’s going on in your life,” Cunningham says.
“It depends on how you cope with what’s going on in your life.”
When we feel anxious, we may take shallower breaths or too-deep gulps of air.
Next, inhale through your nose for a count of four.
Repeat for two minutes.
Do a self exam.Spend some time every day checking yourself outand not in the hubba-hubba way.
Ask: What’s going on in my body?
What am I thinking and feeling right now?
They also saw a 46 percent drop in run-of-the-mill stress-related medical symptoms.
So stop feeling guilty about last night’s $50 dinner at that fancy-schmancy new Italian restaurant.
But don’t wait until you’re about to be cut open to try it.
Log on and find how-to CDs at SerenitySupply.com.
Otherwise, picture yourself relaxed and healthy in your favorite place.
With a pi?a colada in hand.
Soon you’ll feel as if you’ve actually been away.
Then block out half an hour at the end of every day to address your concerns.
Make like Gumby.Ever wonder why yogis seem so mellow when they leave class?
Who says pajamas can’t double as workout gear?
Surprise: It’s the music making, not the marijuana, that brings on the happy buzz.
Yes, there is a right time to sing “Kumbaya.”
(But remember not to overdo the doing good.
Stretching yourself too thin can be detrimental.)
“Being connected to others and contributing to society is beneficial for your health,” Grzywacz says.
Be touchy-feely.Go straight to the spa.
It also slows the release of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Field recommends regular professional rubdowns.
Bend your knees slightly and straighten for a do-it-yourself quickie.
Ditch the Windex.When men come home from work, their blood pressure usually drops.
Not so for women.
So don’t be cheap; hire a cleaning lady.
It’s less expensive than sending the kids off to boarding school.
Become happily hitched.The key word is happily.
Adopt a pet.The truth about cats and dogs is that they can keep you calm.
A note for all those wondering: Sea monkeys don’t count as pets.
Light up at your desk.No ashtray required.
Good ol' sunshine (or the perception of it) is what regulates the body’s biorhythms.
And you thought it was your boss!
Call U-Haul.You’ve heard your real estate broker extol the benefits of just the right location.
Now it’s your doctor’s turn.
The cure: moving to a more pleasant locale.
SeeSELF’s list of America’s healthiest cities for womenand find ideas on how to make your hometown happier.
Photo Credit: David Tsay
