“Happening” Ways to De-stress

Seek Solace by Sniffing Your Partner's Socks!

Most of you would be tired of the tried and tested de-stressing techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep-breathing exercises by now and would be hoping for livelier and ‘happening’ techniques. Even after trying out these techniques people are still stressed, and the stress level is only steadily increasing! There is no hard and fast rule that you need to adhere to only certain techniques that is practiced universally. If some technique works for you but not your friend, go ahead and enjoy its benefits.
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Given here are some well-researched ways that have proven to be effective on certain people and you might be one of them:

Watch a swimming fish
Countless homes have a small aquarium tank, but rarely do they observe what’s happening inside it. One journal study has seriously claimed that looking at a fish inside a tank can calm you and induce serenity. Not only that, even looking at a fishless tank with moving seaweed can help you settle your stress levels.

Go green
Having a garden inside the house might not be practically possible for everyone. But, one can definitely grow a small houseplant to make your house greener. One study has proved that women felt an uplift in their moods and their stress levels too dropped when they looked at a bunch of fresh rose for just three minutes. Select a small flowering or an ornamental plant of your choice and keep it in your house to feel fresh and energized.

Become a sniff dog
At times of stress try sniffing your spouse’s clothes, chest or even socks. It might sound crazy or even gross, but women do find it relaxing and smoothening to smell their partner, even when they are not physically present. During periods of separation, increased stress levels or high-importance meetings it is always better to carry your spouse’s hanky or socks to smell and de-stress yourself!

Smile
Smiling is an evergreen way to decrease your stress levels. Even during times of distress forcing a fake smile would serve you better than totally avoiding a smile. It makes you happier and truly less stressed. If you are that “authentic” person who cannot fake a smile, the best way is to call upon a friend and talk to him/her who can make your lips curl into a bright smile in no time!

Stare at fractals
Modern art has got charm in its own way. Fractals are geometric figures that keep occurring repeatedly, but every time in a smaller scale. Seashells, mountains, snowflakes and clouds are natural fractals and the good thing is that fractals can also be created via art. This explains the soothing power of nature on humans and it serves you good to add some picture of modern art to your phone’s background.

Puppy love
Any animal lover would surely accept that locking eyes with pet can take off his/her stress intensity and burden. Even research proves that human-animal bonding generates oxytocin (the love hormone) and reduces psychological distress. It is not only dog but any animal that can help a person calm down. For instance, one study gave crickets (insect) to elderly population to take care of and the mental health of the study group improved considerably by the end of the study compared to the other group devoid of any pets. If you don’t find yourself in a position to adopt a pet of your own, you can volunteer yourself to work in animal shelters.

Bite on dark chocolate
Studies have proved that eating dark chocolate helps reduce stress levels and blood pressure levels as effective as prescription drugs. Antioxidants (polyphenols) present in these dark chocolates are responsible for these healthful benefits and the darker the chocolate, more the polyphenols it contains. The different opinions surrounding dark chocolate never vanish and for some interesting tit-bits about this mouth-watering delicacy, please visit the website www.firsteatright.com. 

Chew & Chew
Apart from preventing bad breaths, we should chew to beat stress too. One journal study proved that people who undertook a stressful task chewing gums felt less stressed than those who performed the task without the gums. Chewing gums contain the stress hormone cortisol and this triggers activity in people and helps them deal with stressful situations in a better way. Researchers feel that it might be due to the increased blood flow to the brain as a result of chewing.