Return to T Ching Classics: Stress

Stress has become a new epidemic, and according to the American Psychological Association it contributes to the six leading causes of death: cancer, heart disease, suicide, lung ailments, cirrhosis of the liver, and accidents. It can be hard to relax and de-stress when one of the main requirements for any job says “Must be able to work under pressure”. Fortunately, there are efficient and simple methods that can help you reduce stress and achieve inner calm. Sometimes even little things such as a good book, or a stroll through the park can be exactly what you need in order to restore your peace of mind.

Meditate

This ancient practice is one of the best ways to de-stress. Its benefits are numerous, and they include lowering your heart rate and blood pressure, as well as reducing levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which can wreak havoc on your body. You don’t need any special conditions to start practicing meditation, as you can simply find a quiet spot, sit down, close your eyes, and focus on one thing, no matter what that is. If you want to keep calm, do this for at least 10 minutes a day. Yes, that’s all it takes to do something for your well-being.  

Drink tea

A cup of tea has a soothing effect on your mind, so when you’re under a great deal of stress stay away from coffee and stick to this relaxing beverage. Chamomile is a mild tranquilizer and can help you have restful and uninterrupted sleep. There’s a long list of green tea health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants and other nutrients, and it’s known for reducing the risk of cancer, improving cognitive functions, and helping with weight loss, among many other things. Theanine, an ingredient that gives flavor to this refreshing beverage, is responsible for the relaxing effect.

Get a massage

When you’re stressed, it’s not just your mind that suffers, but your body, too. That’s why a massage is an excellent way of helping your body relax and de-stress. It can improve your circulation, reduce pain, and relieve muscle tension. Aromatherapy oils and soothing music can be added to your massage session for even better results. If you don’t feel comfortable with the idea of getting a solo massage, you can go for a couples massage. This amazing concept allows you to enjoy this relaxing experience together with your partner in a personal and intimate atmosphere that will remove any potential discomfort.

Avoid processed foods

Comfort food that people usually turn to when they’re stressed or anxious is full of sugar, sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients. Processed foods provide a short-term relief, but in the long run they make you even more tense and anxious because they’re bad for your digestive system. Fast food, fried food, and soft drinks are the main culprits behind sugar imbalances which are very bad for your mood. Chronic stress makes it hard to control the temptation to gorge yourself on a burger with fries, but by doing so you get yourself trapped in a vicious circle. So, instead of grabbing a glazed doughnut or a candy bar, have a piece of fruit, some dark chocolate, or a handful of berries.

Listen to soothing music

Even if you enjoy listening to up-tempo music, and if you believe that it boosts your mood, opt for something more soothing when you’re stressed. This kind of stimulation will only make you more nervous and irritated. Slow, quiet music can reduce your heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of cortisol. If you want to fully enjoy the benefits of therapeutic music, light a scented candle, brew some tea, and make yourself comfortable. Calming music will let you fully engage in mindfulness of tea and make the most of this synergistic experience.

Fighting stress can be tricky, but these simple methods can help you establish healthy habits and gradually help to eliminate stress from your life.

Photo “Matcha” is copyright under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License to the photographer Hanna Sörensson and is being posted unaltered (source)