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Everyone feels stressed from time to time.
But if left unchecked, stress can
lead to a number of major health problems.
April is National Stress Awareness Month.
And the best way to celebrate it is to consciously manage
stress in our own lives.
Here is a list of five simple, yet positive ways
you can respond to stress.
Physical activity produces endorphins,
chemicals in the brain that act as natural pain killers.
And can also improve your ability
to sleep, which, in turn, reduces stress.
When you feel excessively nervous,
drinking a cup of chamomile tea will help you relax.
At the same time, the antidepressant effect
of chamomile is relieving.
Studies show that interactions with therapy animals
can decrease stress in humans.
Playing with or petting an animal
can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone
oxytocin.
And decreases production of the stress hormone cortisol.
A still mind is a stress-free mind.
So take a deep breath, quiet your thoughts,
and let the stress melt away.
On that note, 10 minutes of daily meditation for 30 days
will do wonders for relieving stress in your life.
It's true, laughter really is the best medicine.
Watch a funny show or video, tell a funny joke,
or go to a card shop and read funny cards.
Whatever it takes, give yourself time for laughter each
and every day.