Top Five Stress Busters

We’ve all enjoyed an extended Easter with thanks to Will and Kate, but we all know what it’s like coming back to work after a long weekend filled with sunshine, family and chocolate! To help you cope with the 400 emails sat in your inbox and keep those stress levels at Zero, here are our top five tips for stress-busting!!

 

 

1. Have a giggle

Laughing has an amazing effect on the body. A good belly laugh relaxes your muscles, reduces stress hormones and boosts your immune system. Studies over longer periods have even shown it to reduce blood pressure. So forget about the potential wrinkles and make laughing the most important part of your day.

 

2. Raise that heart rate

Exercise. It’s the thing we’re told to do the most. It’s almost like it is the answer to everything. The sad thing is, although most of us resist, the benefits of regular exercise are enormous. The release of endorphins, our natural ‘happy hormones’, can help us deal with some of the physical effects of stress and make us feel more able to cope.

 

3. Breathing

Obviously essential for the maintenance of life, but deep breathing is a good and instant stress reliever. By increasing oxygen in the blood and waking up the brain it relaxes our muscles and quietens the mind. Try it the next time you feel a little wound up.

 

4. Cut out the stimulants

We’re not talking about the illegal sort, although you should probably stop those too. No, it’s the natural caffeine that is in our 17 cups of coffee and the 4 sugars we put in them. Stabilising ones sugar levels will help you shake off mood swings associated with stress. Cutting out the cigarettes will also have a boosting effect on your mood as nicotine is a depressant.

 

5. Share your feelings

Talking about the amount of pressure you are under can be tough, especially if it is your boss you need to tell. Ultimately they want you to be able to do your job effectively and you’re no good to anyone if you’re gently rocking under your desk talking to your inner hamster.