Although stress is usually associated with negative events or behavior, it is actually the body’s physical or emotional response to experiencing change. Stress can be caused by positive as well as negative events. Too much stress can cause serious illness and depression; however, the American Psychological Association also sites stress as an important element to experiencing a productive and happy life. Incorporating fun stress management techniques into your daily routine will keep you from feeling overwhelmed by stress.
Get Physical
MedlinePlus suggest starting a regular physical activity program to help manage stress in the life. Participating in an aerobic activity for 30 minutes three times a week not only helps your heart to function well, it also causes your body to release endorphins into your blood stream. These endorphins act like mood enhancers, literally giving you a happy, high feeling. Fun ways to get physical include joining a recreational sports team, taking a dance class, or simply playing a game of tag with a few friends or your favorite children.
Get Social
Often feeling stressed causes you to want to isolate yourself; however many clinical studies show that being social actually helps reduce your stress. The most landmark of these studies was published in 1985 by researchers Sheldon Cohen and Tom A. Wills. “Stress, Social Support, and the Buffering Hypothesis” concluded that involvement in and support from a social network shields a person from experiencing stress-related health issues and reduces the overall affects of stress. Researchers continue to confirm these findings; In 2003, the Society of Biological Psychiatry published findings suggesting supportive social interaction causes the body to release a hormone called oxytocin which suppresses cortisol--the hormone believed to trigger stress responses in the body. Whether you call friends over for a simple night of movie watching, or arrange a night on the town, incorporating regular time to socialize and enjoy your friends will help you minimize the stress in your life.
Start Laughing
Just like the cliché says, laughter really can be the best medicine. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that laughter not only releases tension, but it also appears to have actual physical effects that reduce stress hormone levels. While you may not be able to make yourself laugh on demand, you can bring more laughter into your life by watching funny movies, visiting comedy clubs, or even keeping a few joke books handy to read after a long day
Schedule a Play Date
A fundamental way to reduce or manage the stress in your life is to make personal recreation time a priority. If you keep an appointment calendar, make a habit of scheduling a recreation date for yourself weekly. Maintain a list of new activities you’d like to try, or things that you’ve done in the past you enjoyed and create a goal of working your way through the list. Whether you plan a day of fun activities, or just schedule an hour to take an indulgent nap, making regular time to do something enjoyable will enhance your life and help you to relax.
References
- MedlinePlus: Stress Management
- American Psychological Association: Six Myths about Stress
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Stress--Lifestyle Changes
- Science Direct: Psychological Bulletin: Stress, Social Support, and the Buffering Hypothesis
- Biological Psychiatry: Social Support and Oxytocin Combine to Supress Cortisol and Subjective Responses to Psychosocial Stresses
