Holiday Stress-Relievers
1. A spot of tea
Tea lovers rejoice! Because University College in London have found that our favourite hot beverage can actually have calming powers. In a study, 75 volunteers were asked to drink the equivalent of a cup of black tea before completing two stressful tasks. Afterwards their cortisol levels dropped an average of 47 percent, compared with 27 percent for the people who didn’t drink the tea.
2. Just say “%&* it!”
According to research published in the Leadership & Organisation Development Journal, swearing actually reduces stress. Blowing of some steam will definitely release some tension but we don’t advise that you do it at your grandmother’s or in a restaurant. The F bomb is best reserved for the privacy of your car or your own empty home!
3. Press the issue
Having needles thrust into your skin doesn’t sound like everyone’s perfect idea of a stress reliever, however according to researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, acupuncture can reduce stress by a staggering 39 percent. For fast relief, massage the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger for 20 to 30 seconds.
4. Chocolate
There is a wonderful ingredient in Cocoa known as Flavonoids which appear to relax your body’s blood vessels so that arteries can dilate, reducing blood pressure. Go for the high percentage dark chocolate or cocoa powder because they have more of the stress busting compound than milk chocolate. Also the higher the cocoa solids the less you will need to eat!
5.Chew the fat
People with high blood levels of EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids are happier, less impulsive and more agreeable. Boost your mood by adding foods that are rich in omega 3′s such as fish like salmon, herring and sardines. Alternatively try taking a daily supplement of fish oils.
