7 simple tricks to help you get rid of stress

Life is stressful. That’s a universal truth. While we can’t avoid the situations that are making us stressed, we can change how we respond to them.

And, according to Asap Science, this can be done in seven simple steps.

1. Laugh

They say laughter is the best medicine. When we laugh, our oxygen intake increases, stimulating the release of endorphins.

One study found that even just waiting to see a funny film can increase endorphin levels by up to 27 per cent and decrease stress hormone levels in the bloodstream.

2. Kiss

Kissing “decreases cortisol and increases oxytocin… creating feelings of attachment, bonding, contentment and security.

3. Chew gum

A study found that those who chewed twice a day for two weeks increased their feelings of wellbeing.

They also had lower levels of cortisol when exposed to stress.

This is because the act of chewing and its repetitive motion is directly linked to increased activity in the cerebral area of the brain.

4. Nature

Time spent in nature or even a simple house plant can lower stress levels.

5. Rituals

Even though relaxation from tea may simply be a placebo, it turns out that the anticipation of a ritual linked with relaxing emotions may very well be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If you’re mentally preparing yourself to relax with your favourite calming tea or relaxing scented oils, our brain is primed to slow down and can actually influence well-being.

6. Music

Reacting a better mood music can have a similar effect. Songs with 60 to 80 beats per minute but no lyrics have been shown to reduce stress even in patients who have undergone various types of surgeries.

7. Pets

Having a dog correlates to lower scores on anxiety tests: 12 per cent compared to 21 per cent for those without one. And being in the presence of a friendly dog has been known to lower cortisol levels and increase oxytocin.

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More: This is what four years of stress does to your body