stressed woman lying on desk
Don’t let yourself get so stressed till the point you’re exhausted and unable to work efficiently.

Swim

“When we swim, we enter a state where our sensory world is somewhat shut down and there isn’t a whole lot of new sensorial information to process, which enables the senses and brain to have a rest,” says meditation and yoga expert Rachel Long. If your mind does wander while you swim, Rachel suggests taking your thoughts inward, or simply focus on your breath.

Walk

If you work in an office, try walking daily for 30 minutes in a “green” environment such as a park for eight weeks. Research shows you’ll sleep better and significantly lower high blood pressure and stress levels. Walking helps decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improve cognitive function (our ability to focus).

Smile

Faking a smile when the pressure is on actually reduces the normal increase in heart that occurs during a stressful situation, potentially reducing some of the negative health effects, a US study has found. So the next time you are stuck in traffic or are experiencing some other type of stress, try to hold your face in a smile for a moment.

Text: Good Health, Bauer Syndication / Additional Reporting: Zarelda Marie Goh
Photo: 123rf