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Four Easy Ways to Manage Stress Right Now

Stress is hard on your body and mind, but managing it may be easier than you think with these quick, calming tips.

May 16, 2016 | HF Healthy Living Team

You can’t get rid of all stress, so what can you do about it? We’ve got some tips you can try to get back to feeling calmer, quickly. And remember—if you experience any of these physical signs or symptoms of stress, or go through a period of prolonged anxiety, see your doctor.

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Get Active

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If you can, take 10 minutes to do something physical—It will help you to relax. Take a quick walk, do jumping jacks, or find a quiet space to do some stretches. Physical activity helps improve your mood by increasing your body’s endorphins, also called “the happy chemical.” Regular exercise also helps protect you against illness.

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Try Deep Breathing

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Can’t get away? Here’s something you can try no matter where you are: just inhale deeply, as much as your lungs will allow, and then exhale slowly. Repeat this as long as you need to until you find yourself calming down. If you can, try deep breathing regularly so you can get better and better at managing stress.

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Find Your Bliss

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What makes you happy? Is it your favorite song, TV show, or book? Or maybe you like to get creative—painting, writing, knitting? Whatever makes you smile, see if you can give yourself at least 10–20 minutes of your favorite activity to help reset your mood and get centered.

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Talk to a Friend

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Call your best friend, parent, sibling, partner, or coworker. Reach out when you’re feeling overwhelmed, so that you can talk through your feelings to an understanding ear. Or maybe you just need to talk about anything but the stress you’re feeling. Either way, communication can help.

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Healthfirst is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Healthfirst group of affiliated companies. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.

Sources
“Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress,” Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Accessed March 7, 2016.
http://www.adaa.org/tips-manage-anxiety-and-stress

“Physical Activity Reduces Stress,” Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Accessed March 7, 2016.
http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st

“Four Ways to Deal with Stress,” American Heart Association. Accessed March 7, 2016.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/StressManagement/FourWaystoDealWithStress/Four-Ways-to-Deal-with-Stress_UCM_307996_Article.jsp#.VtYF_his7mA