Stressed? Here Are 10 Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Stress Quickly

[MandyRuth]

1. Listen to Music

There is no doubt that music can have a therapeutic effect on our brains, increasing the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. However, research has shown that listening to music also helps slow our heart rate, lower blood pressure and can even boost our immune system. So crank up those tunes! It is not only enjoyable, but good for you too.

Here is a great article on how to use music in your daily life to reduce stress

2. Engage In a Craft or Hobby

Crafts and hobbies are a great way to distract us from daily stress, but did you know that they can improve our health as well? One recent study found that people who engaged in leisure activities not only reported being 34% less stressed during these activities, but their heart rates were lower as well; all the more reason to pull out those knitting needles (or whatever it is that floats your boat).

Need a hobby? Here are 10 hobbies to help reduce stress

3. Just Breathe

It shouldn't be a surprise that deep breathing reduces stress, as it gives us a boost of oxygen. Not only does deep breathing help stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system, helping us calm down, it has also shown to help reduce blood pressure and even alter the expression of genes that are linked to inflammation and metabolism.

Here are 6 Breathing Exercises to Relax in 10 Minutes or Less

4. Take a Bath or Shower

A hot bath or shower is a great way to relax sore muscles and relieve tension in the body. Studies have not only found that hydrotherapy can help reduce physical stress, but it can also improve your sleep. So next time you have trouble sleeping, consider soaking up some suds.

Here are 23 Cheap and Easy Hacks For the Best Bath Ever

5. Watch a Funny Movie or Video

As the old adage says "laughter is the best medicine". From a scientific standpoint, that very well may be true. Studies have shown that laughter actually increases those feel-good endorphins released by the brain, as well as stimulating your heart, lungs, and other muscles.

Need funny movie ideas? Here are The 15 Funniest Movies On Netflix: Best Comedies, Ranked

6. Spend Time With Your Pet

It shouldn't be a surprise that our pets can give us lots of joy and happiness. Research has shown that spending time with pets can help reduce stress, and can be just as beneficial as having the social support of a friend or family member. Even something as simple as stroking your cat or dog can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that makes us feel happy.

7. Take a Nap

Napping might be seen as a lazy thing to do, but studies have found that a mid-afternoon snooze actually has benefits for your health. Something as short as a 30-minute nap can not only make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated, but also lower stress hormones, improve memory, and reverse the effect of a bad nights sleep.

8. Eat A Healthy Snack

Stress is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, science has shown that our stomachs are a major moderator of the stress response. Furthermore, foods that are rich in potassium (such as bananas) have been shown to help improve energy and recovery from stressful situations, as well as protecting the body from the negative effects of stress.

Here are 13 Foods That Fight Stress

9. Chew Gum

It may sound a bit silly, but there is evidence to show that something as simple as chewing a piece of gum can help relieve stress. One study found that chewing gum can help lower cortisol (a key stress hormone), relieve anxiety, and improve alertness and performance during multi-tasking.

10. Exercise

You already know that exercise is good for you, but did you know that it can also help relieve stress? Only 20 minutes of exercise a day has been shown to boot endorphins and reduce stress hormones; even something as simple as taking a walk can help. So lace up those running shoes and get out there! You won't only feel better physically, but mentally as well.

Here are 8 Exercises That Relieve Stress

How do you relieve stress? Share your tips and tricks for de-stressing using #StressRelief

[lightbulb27]

Great thoughts. A few others:

Meditate - that is listen to relaxing music and either build an image in your mind and believe it is there, or think nothing or one thing (not easy to do). This really works (especially guided imagery).

Get a massage or give one.

Care less - if you are stuck in perfectionist mentality, caring less about something works:) It actually helps you keep moving forward when we are so overwhelemed. The thought is "I don't give a F!"

Add some good lovin'

Disagree with Gum

[Grungenoreos]

Exercise is my go to for stress relief. I mean all those lther things you have listed work too for me but exercise is my favorite. Sometimes when I am really into the exercise I actually end up with that awesome feeling of being high literally except drug free :) I LUUURRV IT

[nikki_24]

I listen to music or watch horror movies to relieve stress. Works most of the time.

[Perkish]

Excellent, thanks. I'll bookmark this for myself :)

[thewanderingme]

except for the gum one I agree with all of this! (:

[Anonymous]

strangely, for me, whining for a short time here is quite good for stress. i dunno why the hell, but it is kind of a relief. downside is, of course, polluting this with bullshit most people would be quite annoyed to read.

[iAMNirvana]

Be positive. Face your problem and say like : bring it on here i am. That works for me. It gives you confidence.

[Tanisha69]

11 masturbate. but that goes well with 4 now doesn't it

[BullyDawg]

All good but hate gum ! Hugz n smiles 🍀🐶🍀

[howzit2015]

You forgot sex

[confusedgirl672]

Masturbate. You forgot that. :P

[Oram52]

Thanks, already use most on the list :)

[YoungAndInnocent]

I'll keep this in mind. Thanks.

[RedRobin]

Great take

[99percentangel]

Thanks!

[BarbieDollT]

Will sex help?

[MandyRuth]

Yes, of course! It also releases endorphins and dopamine.

[BarbieDollT]

😀👍🏽