Overthinking, traffic and heavy workloads are the main causes of stress. And as we let stress affects us, our body also suffers which eventually leads to loss of appetite, bad mood and heart complications. Though some stress can be good for us (it keeps you productive and gives you sense of focus to finish a task), learning to manage it can help you promote stress in a good way.  

But if you can’t control too much pressure and anxiety that life gives you, here are some effective ways to release your stress.

1. Breathe

• Close your eyes and take a deep breath. It lets you release your stress and decreases tension. The oxygen that you inhale boosts your mood as well as reducing blood pressure helping us to calm down. You can do yoga, meditation or anything that helps you relax.

2. Eat sweets

• Stress-eating is actually good to help you relieve pressure. Especially with sweets or chocolates for it stimulates the brain and releases endorphins that makes us happy. But, always remember to watch what you eat for some food might be bad if you take too much.

3. Chew a gum

• Based on a study in 2008, it is scientifically proven that chewing a gum eases stress hormones, increases alertness, and helps in proper breathing. You can also chew a gum after meal to reduce acid levels in the esophagus.

4. Laugh

• Having a good laugh lowers the level of stress and enhances your spirit. Hang out with your friends or watch a funny video to make you giggle. Let go of the negative things around you and take a break to enjoy yourself.

5. Exercise

• Take care of yourself and get physically active. Aside from the health benefits that you can get from working out, it also uplifts your emotions, making you feel lighter and energized to get prepared and manage stress for the day of work.

6. Listen to music

• Music therapy, has been helpful to lessen anxiety particularly slow tempos (encourages a calm feeling).

7. Play around

• Get yourself busy and divert your attention to different things. Play video games with your friends to have fun. Consider playing challenging and adventure games that are non-violent.

8. Have a pet

• Pets are known to instantly relieve your stress by playing with them. It can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps you feel relaxed.

9. Stroll

• Sunshine tends to promote the feeling of happiness. Choose to walk in a park or in any other nature environment to help you reflect, reduce fatigue, and clear up your mind.

10. Sleep

• Sometimes not getting enough sleep can make you feel tired that leads to depression. Sleep is important to repair and restore the mind-body system and fight stress. So, unplug your cords, stay away from your gadgets, and turn off the lights to have a restful sleep.

References: Harvard Health Publications. 5 ways to de-stress and help your heart. Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/5-ways-to-de-stress-and-help-your-heart. ; Melnick, M. (2013, September 9.) 20 Scientifically Backed Ways To De-Stress Right Now. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/09/06/stress-relief-that-works_n_3842511.html.