STRESS

UNWIND YOURSELVES

Finding it hard to relax during tough time? Fortunately, there are many ways to make relaxation a part of your everyday life.

Try tryptophan

Foods containing tryptophan, an essential amino acid, are great to stock up on when you need to calm down or unwind. The nutrient helps to raise serotonin levels which can elevate your mood, which can help induce sleep. Good tryptophan-rich foods include nuts, cheese, turkey, chicken and soybeans.

Get active

If you are feeling stressed out, one of the best things you can do is go for a run or hit the gym. Exercise is great for releasing mood-boosting chemicals such as endorphins and anandamine, which can help to lower anxiety and increase mental wellbeing. As well as having a great effect on your mood and stress levels, exercise is also good for taking your mind off problems and helping to induce sleep.

Take deep breathes

If you are short on time, one of the quickest ways to relax is to take a few deep breaths. Anxiety can cause people to breathe more rapidly than normal and taking deep, slow breaths can be an effective aid to relaxation. 

Listening to music

Many of us are aware that listening to our favourite music puts us in a good mood, and studies have now found that music is also good for reducing stress. It is best to go with your individual taste and choose whatever type of music boosts your mood.

Chocolate

Good news for many is that chocolate - one of the world's most popular comfort foods - is also a great calming food. Chocolate  can help relaxation and can help you to experience a feeling of peace. 

Have a hug

Having a good old cuddle is great for reducing stress. Having physical contact has been found to putting us in a more relaxed frame of mind. Human affection is not the only type that counts, however, as owning a pet has also been linked to lowered stress levels, meaning that playing with your pet could be a great way to wind down after work

Pamper yourself

One of the best - and most luxurious - ways to unwind is to treat yourself to a spot of pampering. If your budget extends to it, you could have somebody else pamper you by heading to a health spa or beauty salon for a massage, facial or beauty treatment of your choice. Alternatively, you could indulge in a bit of DIY pampering by running yourself a bath, lighting some candles and lying back with a relaxing facemask and some calming music.

Have a laugh

Laughter is well-known for its therapeutic effects, boost their health and mood. . If you are serious about your relaxation, you could consider attending a laughter class, but chilling out with a funny DVD, book or friend is an equally great option to help you relax.

Try aromatherapy 

To really make the most of your senses, turn your home into a relaxing sanctuary with a scented candle or some relaxing essential oils. Some good essential oils for relaxation include camomile, lavender, neroli, bergamot and ylang ylang. Use these oils to aid relaxation by adding a couple of drops to a bath, burning in an oil burner, or adding (sparingly) to water to use as a room spray or skin spritzer.

~OHMMM~

The Straitsdeal Team