Four Ways to Relieve Stress

Four+Ways+to+Relieve+Stress

Being a high school student means constantly being stressed. Between homework, projects, sports, practices clubs and many more, it can often be too much. Being overly stressed out can greatly affect your performance in school, sports, plays, or any other activities you may partake in. Read below to find out four great ways to reduce stress!  

 

 

1)  Meditation

 

One of the best strategies to reduce stress is meditation. Meditation is an individual technique used to achieve awareness and an emotionally clear and calm state of mind. Although many believe that meditation is does not work and is a waste of time it is scientifically proven to be effective. Doing this practice allows us to move from higher frequency brain waves, to lower ones. This activates different centers within the brain. Slower wave lengths results in more time in between thoughts. Meditation calms your mind causing you to be less stressed.          

 

 2)   Exercise

Exercise is another very effective stress reliever. Exercise along with other physical activities produce endorphins; a chemical in the brain that acts as a natural painkiller. These endorphins improve the ability to sleep which results in less stress. Certain exercises, such as aerobic, are proven to “to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem.”

 

 

3)  Reducing Caffeine Intake

Coffee and other caffeinated products are shown to cause stress. Studies show that caffeine increases cortisol and epinephrine-a steroid hormone. Although cortisol can provide some positive effects (such as allowing more energy) to much in your bloodstream can lead to many negative side effects. Having too much cortisol in your bloodstream often results in chronic stress.

 

 4) Laughing 

Ever heard of the saying, “laughter is the best medicine”? In this case it’s actually true! Laughing, much like exercise, helps produce endorphins in the brain. It also relieves physical tension and stress, which leaves your muscles relaxed. So if you have the chance, spend time with your friends and family, socialize, and laugh-it’s good for you!