Constant work, family, and other responsibilities can cause anyone to feel stressed. And stress is not only nasty, it can have a negative impact on your health, including upset stomach, fatigue, headaches, and even depression and substance abuse, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Luckily, a little self-care goes a long way. Here are five great ways to relieve tension and reduce stress symptoms.
1. Drink tea. Drinking black tea leads to lower post-stress cortisol levels, according to a University College London study. Brew yourself a cup and take a couple of minutes to relax.
2. Play the piano. Playing the piano can reduce stress, according to a study published in the International Journal of Music Education. And you can play anytime you need a minute to reduce stress, because keyboards come in all sizes these days. Check out Casio’s keyboards and music equipment, which features models appropriate for any level of musical ability or physical space available for you to play.
3. Keep a journal. Spend a couple of minutes each day or when the mood strikes putting pen to paper. Writing in a journal can help you get things out of the way, and can have an effect similar to meditation.
4. Get moving. Aerobic exercise has been shown to lower overall levels of tension, improve and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and increase self-esteem. Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects. So, slip on sneakers and get moving.
5. Get together with friends. Strong friendships are an incredible outlet for self-expression, positive feedback and laughter, which can relieve stress and tension. Even when you are busy, make sure to carve out time for friends.
