Don’t freak out just yet. We know you need a break and you’re about to scream, but summer is in sight, which means so is a vacation. So take a deep breath in and relax–we’ve got some helpful stress relieving activities that will get you to summer and help eliminate any discomfort you might be feeling.
Load Up Spotify, YouTube or Pandora
An important and easy way to relieve stress is by listening to music. So grab your phone, tablet or computer and load up your favorite music application. Whether it is Pandora, Spotify, YouTube or iTunes, play some music! But stay away from heavy, angry music–that might only make the situation worse. Play calm, peaceful music because it has a positive effect on your brain and body. As a result, you can lower blood pressure, and reduce the hormone linked to stress (cortisol).
Phone a Friend
It’s not just an option on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”. Calling a friend or family member can help you relax. By hearing that reassuring voice, you can begin to relax because it can really help you put everything in perspective. We all have that one go-to-person when things are difficult, so give them a call.
Put the Pizza Back
Food plays a key role in your stress and how you manage–no that extra slice of pizza won’t help. Stress levels and a proper diet are closely related, so don’t forget to pack a healthy lunch. When we are stressed and have a lot of work to complete, we either forget to eat altogether, or we pick snacks that are high in sugars and fats because they “make us feel better”. The next time you’re stressed, avoid the vending machine like it’s your life-long enemy. Instead, put together fruits and vegetables, and add fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Drink More Tea
Tea isn’t just for the royal family or your grandma–it can actually help you relax. Instead of resorting to coffee or energy drinks to stay awake, go for a green tea. With less than half the caffeine of coffee, green tea contains healthy antioxidants. It also contains theanine, which is an amino acid that has a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system.
Combat stress now before it gets the best of you. Summer is just around the corner, so try to relax. Contact Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia to learn more about stress and how it might be negatively affecting your health.
