8 Easy Ways to Beat Stress

A good laugh is a great everyday stress-buster.
A good laugh is a great everyday stress-buster.

This is a hectic time for year -- and for many of us, a stressful one, too. Chronic stress does a number on your health. It ages you in a hurry, it's bad for your heart, and it may boost your risk of diabetes. But you don't need a week at a spa to unwind. These eight speedy tension-relievers can ease your stress anytime.

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Have a good laugh. A good belly laugh triggers production of endorphins, the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters. It also relaxes your blood vessels and increases blood flow -- the ideal antidote to tension.

Take a walk.
If stress is a constant companion, add a 20-minute walk to your daily routine. Even better, take your stroll in a neighborhood park. A recent Japanese study revealed that walking outside, especially in a forest setting, is an effective way to combat chronic stress.

Eat happy meals.
A healthy diet also is great for stress management. Enjoy foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and walnuts), which help boost your mood. Also fill up magnesium, a mineral that may help soothe an overactive stress-response system. You'll find it in halibut, spinach, oats, beans, and nuts.

Soothe stress with these 8 heart-smart comfort foods.


Chew gum
. It's a great stress-buster. According to a large study, workers who chew gum report less stress than their gum-free colleagues. That's because chomping on a stick of Wrigley's stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps induce relaxation to reduce stress. Just make sure your gum is sugar-free.

Sip a cup of tea. The British have the right idea when they brew a pot of tea in stressful times. Black tea, especially, is rich in stress-busting antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and amino acids. There's also some evidence that green tea can help lower harmful LDL cholesterol.

Here's the best way to brew your tea.

Spend time with Fido. Whether you live with a dog, a cat, or even a bird, stress reduction is one of the great benefits of an animal companion. In one study, just watching 10 minutes of cute animal films was enough to lower volunteers' heart rates and blood pressure when they were stressed.

Enjoy the view.
Next time you're overwhelmed, turn off the computer screen and look out the window. One study revealed that students sitting at window seats recovered faster from performing a series of stressful tasks than classmates who faced a blank wall or even a high-definition plasma screen displaying a nature scene. The more time they spent gazing at the view, the faster their heart rates dropped back to normal.

Listen to relaxing music.
As you load songs onto your iPod, include a medley of relaxing music to take the edge off stress. Listening to mellow tunes with a slow, steady rhythm helps slow down your breathing and heart rate so you feel calmer.

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