Shape Magazine released a list of 20 simple stress reducers that I think everyone should take a look at. I started using multiple suggestions throughout the day, and saw of these very simple things could make my day go better. Here are my top 5 favorites:
- Prep for tomorrow. Nothing is worse than being unorganized, especially in the morning rushing around trying to make it to work on time. Before I go to bed, I make sure I have prepared my lunch for tomorrow and have everything in the containers ready to grab on my way out. I also always lay my clothes out for the morning. Days that I forget, I find myself wasting precious meetings staring inside my closet trying to figure out what matches with my sleepy brain trying to function.
- Arm Yourself with Snacks. This is always a must for me. I have snacks with me no matter what I’m doing: working, going to a friends house, even going out. I hate being hungry! Shape.com reports that more women often binge eat on ‘bad’ foods because they have tried to deprive themselves from. Forcing yourself not to eat a little bit of chocolate can actually do worse for you, causing to eat worse and too much later on. Carry a few small snacks with you, one of my favorites is string cheese or baked chips, and munch away when you feel hungry.
- Wash your hands. When you are feeling stressed, research has shown your immune system is also depressed, making you more susceptible to viruses. Hand washing is the best way to keep away the germs, as well as using hand sanitizers and other germ killers.
- Exercise. I think this is my number one go to move when I am feeling stressed. I especially love doing yoga because it is a great relaxer but at the same time I can feel myself getting a workout. Shape.com reports that research has shown people that spent 30 or more minutes on a treadmill had lower anxiety levels.
- Once a Day, Get Away. If your having a hectic day (or even if your not!) it can always be refreshing to slip away and be able to relax. I work five days a week at a hospital, and have moments where I know I need to get away from desk. Just 10 minutes of being by myself, and doing something calming such as reading a book or listening to my iPod can really refresh me.
Head to Shape.com
for all the other great stress relieving tricks!
Direct link: http://www.shape.com/health/stress_and_relaxation/20_simple_stress_reducers/p/page/7
