Tag Archives: relax

The magic ingredient to help you relax!

01 Friday Oct 2021

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If you need to chill out – offer to help someone else. It can help you relax – and extend your life. That’s according to psychology professor Michael Poulin. He says, any time we experience compassionate feelings for others, it decreases our stress hormones. But compassion is the magic ingredient – not time. So comforting a grieving friend for 15 minutes can be more powerful than volunteering for 3 hours sorting food at a food bank. The key is that it has to be meaningful for you – and you need to feel for the other person.

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Don’t stress – take a hot bath!

30 Monday Aug 2021

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Are you stressing out over a big decision you have to make? Think things over while relaxing in a hot bath or Jacuzzi. Scientists at USC say making an important decision while you’re stressed, whether it’s the day-to-day kind, or stress due to that particular decision, it makes you more likely to focus on the possible negative outcomes. But if you wait until you’re calm to weigh the pros and cons, you’ll make a better choice, and be much happier with your decision.

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To relieve your anxiety:

06 Friday Aug 2021

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Talk to someone who’s as anxious as you are! That advice comes from USC psychologist, Dr. Sarah Townsend. She says, connecting with someone who’s having the same feelings you are can buffer you against stress. That’s because you’ll be reassured that your emotional state is completely normal. And it’ll calm you down more than sharing your anxiety with someone who’s totally calm.

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Want to feel less stressed at your next picnic or backyard barbecue?

30 Friday Jul 2021

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Serve yourself some potato salad, or maybe two scoops of grandma’s famous pasta salad! Researchers at the University of Toronto found potatoes and pasta that are cooked and then popped into the fridge to cool down, develop so-called “resistant” starch. And when you eat resistant starch, it sends a message to your brain to “chill out,” and be less sensitive to the triggers that stress you out. And as we’ve said before, when a carbohydrate is turned into resistant starch, it acts more like fiber in the body – and helps us burn fat. 

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Is it possible to SNIFF your stress away?

08 Thursday Jul 2021

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Yes, according to a study from Italy’s Orthopedic Institute. Researchers asked adults prepped for surgery to sniff essential oils. Those who smelled eucalyptus felt much calmer than those sniffing citrus, or plain unscented air. The reason? Eucalyptus or “gum” trees – contain a compound that cuts production of the stress hormone cortisol. And the benefits of eucalyptus kick in within FIVE MINUTES of your first whiff! So, next time you feel nervous, sniff your stress away with eucalyptus essential oil.

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Don’t use the Wi-Fi on the plane!

22 Tuesday Jun 2021

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When you go on vacation, even if the plane has Wi-Fi, don’t use it! Positive psychologist Michelle Gielan has found that travelers need 12 to 24-hours to get the health-boosting benefits of complete relaxation. And if you wait until you reach your destination to unplug, you’re essentially shortening your trip. So the second you get on the plane, start to unwind. That means all activities should reflect your vacation mindset. You’ll get into relaxation-mode more quickly.

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Swing away your stress and anxiety!

03 Thursday Jun 2021

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If you’re feeling anxious, hit the playground and hop on a swing. Or find the nearest hammock, porch swing, or rocking chair. Then spend two minutes swinging, rocking or swaying. The repetitive motion relaxes the nervous system and calms the amygdala, the brain region linked to stress and anxiety. In fact, swinging is so powerful, the University of Miami says it can cut production of stress hormones by 25% for 2 hours. Just from 2 minutes of swinging, rocking or swaying.

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Get a great blood pressure reading at your next checkup!

05 Wednesday May 2021

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Here are a couple of tips for a better blood pressure reading at your next doctor’s appointment: 

First: Relax and keep quiet while the cuff is on. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found talking can increase blood flow… and make it seem your blood pressure is 5 to 10 points higher than it actually is. 

Next: Watch your posture! Crossing your legs can temporarily increase your blood pressure. 

And your arm position matters, too. For the most accurate reading, keep the cuffed arm at roughly the same level as your heart. 

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What’s the best way to improve your work/life balance?

29 Monday Mar 2021

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Exercise regularly! Researchers from Saint Louis University found working long hours, and spending more time away from the family hurts our home life. But people who exercised regularly were less stressed at work, even if they were having personal problems. So, they got more done and were more likely to leave on time, which reduced the friction at home. Plus, exercise boosted their mood and confidence, making them better able to forget about work after hours. Making it easier for them to relax, unwind, and enjoy their family.

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Who has time to meditate?

05 Friday Feb 2021

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You do! Because all you need is 16 SECONDS a day to alter your brain! Yale University researchers found meditation decreases activity in the brain area responsible for negative thoughts, and a wandering mind – which is typically linked to ruminating, worrying about the past and future, and being less happy. But meditation keeps you focused in the present. It also physically changes the brain. It increases brain cell volume in the hippocampus, which regulates emotions. And decreases it in the amygdala, which is responsible for fear, anxiety, and stress. 

And all you need is 16 SECONDS a day – as long as you’re consistent! So breathe in for a count of 4… hold it for 4… exhale for 4 seconds… and pause for 4. Done.

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