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5 Easy Ways to Manage Cortisol, the Stress Hormone
Cortisol is a hormone that's recruited to regulate blood pressure and the immune system when the body is experiencing physical or emotional stress. Constant stress can cause our bodies to overproduce the hormone, and instead of helping to balance our bodies, cortisol can cause sleep problems, leave us vulnerable to infection, induce blood sugar abnormalities, and lead to abdominal weight gain.
In its February issue, Prevention magazine describes solutions for managing cortisol, and these options are all doable with little effort (so you don't become even more stressed about having time to manage your stress hormone!).
The 10 Most Popular Ways to Destress
Exercise is my go-to destress strategy, and if my primary goal is reducing tension, I prefer to work out without a buddy. While being active works wonders for me, there are times when all I want to do is pour a glass of red wine and escape with a good book. You shared some excellent ideas when I asked how you tend to get rid of stress; here are the 10 most popular ways to find release.
Speak Up: How Do You Destress?
It's a wonderful time of year, with the Fall leaves changing and multiple holiday gatherings with family and friends in the pipeline. Unfortunately, the busy season can make our already thinly spread lives more stressful than usual, which can lead to overeating and restless nights.
Exercise is always an effective way to destress, but some women find solace in things like cooking, reading, watching an episode of their favorite TV show, talking it out with their partner or friends, taking a leisurely shower or bath, and even cleaning can be a productive way to work through built-up tension.
Relax Already: Give Your Shoulders a Squeeze
Holiday stress has been replaced by new-year stress. All those projects, both personal and professional, that had been put on the back burner before Christmas, are now coming to a full boil. Stress has many physical manifestations, and its main targets are the neck and shoulders.
Avoid The Monday Blues with Positive Thinking
I know it might seem cliché to admit this but rainy days and Mondays always get me down. They just do. I came across this article recently on the Power of Positive thinking and I thought this might just be the tool I need to help me power through my Monday blues.
More Tips on Dealing with Stress After a Hardship
Unfortunately we can not always foresee what will happen in the future, good or bad. Typically the bad events can lead to major stress and bouncing back is not always easy. In light of the major disasters going on in the world, more specifically the recent tragedy we've all heard about at Virgina Tech, here are a few tips from The Mayo Clinic on becoming more resilient and figuring out how to cope with serious stress:
- Work toward goals.
Tips on Dealing with Stress After a Hardship
Unfortunately we cannot always foresee what will happen in the future, good or bad. Typically the bad events can lead to major stress and bouncing back is not always easy. In light of the major disasters going on in the world, more specifically the recent tragedy we've all heard about at Virgina Tech, here are a few tips from The Mayo Clinic on becoming more resilient and figuring out how to cope with serious stress:
- Get connected.
Stressed Out? Get Out
When I am feeling overwhelmed and anxious, I find that it is best to get away from what is causing the stress. I like to get out. It seems simple.
Another Reason to Head to the Spa
Stress can lead to the tensing of muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders. If this sounds like something you can relate to then you must need a massage.
To give yourself another reason (as if you needed one) to head to the spa, read more
Other Search Results
Why the Simple Act of Breathing Helps Fight Stress
Even Time Magazine knows that breathing can help stress. Want to know why? When you exhale your heart rate slows down.
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