Introduction

Ten Ways to Overcome Stress

10. Kiss Your Mate

 (Keiko helping Yusuke relieve tension from a tender kiss, Scene from Yuyu Hakusho)

Kissing triggers the brain to release a cocktail of chemicals throughout the body, including oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which can make you feel euphoric and promote feelings of affection and bonding. It also lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, strengthens face muscles, and can help decrease blood pressure.

9. Get Smiling and Laugh 

8. Connect with others

(photo courtesy of Lucasfilm, a scene from Star Wars Episode IV, Princess Leia Hologram Call) 

Human beings are social creatures; we crave feelings of support, value, and acceptance. In fact, Mental Health America found that 71 percent of people surveyed turned to friends or family in times of stress. It can become very easy to become isolated with one's own thoughts, and connecting with others can provide objective feedback and support.

7. Eat a Healthy Diet  

(Goku isn't known for having the best diet, but even he understands the benefits of a healthy meal) 

An unhealthy diet can place the body under a great amount of stress, from diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, up to 80% of cases of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented by making lifestyle changes, such as increasing levels of physical activity and eating healthily. In 2016, researchers also found people who consumed foods containing a high load of refined carbohydrates, such as those found in soft drinks, cakes, white bread, and biscuits; increased symptoms of depression and fatigue. However, vegetables, whole fruits, and whole grains had a much lower load of refined carbs.

6. Get Enough Sleep

(Figaro napping, Pinocchio 1940 | Courtesy of Disney animated films, Disney)

A variety of factors including stress can disrupt sleep patterns. Sleep plays a big part in both learning and memory. Without enough sleep, it's tough to focus, take in new information, and process our latent emotions. Another study by PubMed, reveals that people who are exposed to soothing music for 45 minutes at bedtime have more restful and deeper sleep compared to those who didn’t listen to music. For peak, health benefits, shoot for about 7-8 hours of sleep time each night.

5. Exercise 

4. Try Some Tunes 

(Sonic listening to music and relaxing on the beach) 

3. Create a Relaxation Ritual   

A massage, soak in the tub, or other forms of pampering, are solid ways to relax and revitalize the body. When in a relaxed state, another chemical cocktail is released in the brain, helping to reduce the stress hormones. This can lead to a healthy life and well being, signaling to others that you care about yourself.

2. Get Closer to Nature

1. Meditate 

(Samurai Jack, attaining the next level of Zen Mastery, 🤩) 

Meditation is a habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. It can enhance melatonin levels and assist the brain in achieving a specific state where sleep is easily achieved. Meditation can also reduce symptoms in people with stress-triggered medical conditions, such as anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fibromyalgia. Meditation can also diminish the perception of pain in the brain. If you're interested in meditation, try it out and consider guided exercises to get started with one that is right for you.

Conclusion