Stress. We’ve all dealt with it at some point. But what exactly is it? Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from both internal and external sources. Stress is natural, and there is virtually no way to rid ourselves of it completely. Still, there are a few things we can do to help lessen its effects.

• Laugh a little. A little laughter goes a long way. Laughing delivers oxygen to your organs by increasing your blood flow, which in turn helps release stress. When you’re feeling stressed, call a friend you know you can count on for a good laugh, or watch your favorite comedy.
• Spend time with a furry friend. Pets are good for your health. If you’re feeling stressed, go play with your dog or give your cat some affection. Doing so will release feel-good hormones like serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin into your body, helpful to relieve your unwanted stress.
• Cut the clutter. Just looking at a mess can be a source of stress for many people. If your stress level is high, try cleaning one area, even if it’s small. Not only can this help ease your mind, cleaning is also a good workout, which can help relieve stress and anxiety overall.
• Do a little yard work. It may sound stressful, but did you know the smell of freshly mowed grass can actually make you feel more relaxed? Some scientists say chemicals from newly cut grass can help block stress hormones from being released. Better yet, why not have someone cut the grass for you, then just spend some time outside soaking up the scent of your freshly mowed lawn? Now that’s stress relief!
• Get moving. Exercise is a great stress buster. That’s because when you exercise, your body produces endorphins in your brain that make you feel good. So get your burn on! As you start moving, your stress will melt away.
• Take a deep breath. If you feel a stressful moment coming on, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stop and take a few slow, deep breaths.
• Give yourself a break—every day! Even if it’s only for a few minutes, make time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy. Try taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, talking a walk outside or anything else that makes you happy. As you do, try not to think about what needs to get done or what tasks you might have left undone. Take those moments to just focus on yourself. You will be more productive in the long run if you can stay stress-free.

For more stress-busting techniques, or for help with anxiety, contact Solace Counseling. Also, look for us on Facebook and Twitter.