1 TAKE A DEEP BREATH.
In your most stressed-out moments, don't forget you have a built-in relaxation method: breathing! A couple of deep, controlled breaths can be just the trick to reverse the shallow gasps and racing heartbeat of your “fight or flight“ response. Doing so can help lower your blood pressure, slow the production of stress hormones and may even alter gene expression, according to reports.
2 LAUGH.
There's a good reason laughter has a reputation for being the best medicine. Not only is it one of the body's natural stress relievers, it also mimics (at least a little) some of the physiological responses in the body to physical activity. As WebMD reported: “One pioneer in laughter research, William Fry , claimed it took 10 minutes on a rowing machine for his heart rate to reach the level it would after just one minute of hearty laughter.“
It also seems to boost memory -all while burning a few calories in the process.
3 NIBBLE SOME DARK CHOCOLATE.
The natural plant compounds in cocoa can protect the heart in a whole number of ways, from lowering blood pressure, raising levels of “good“ cholesterol while lowering the “bad“ and even helping with circulation. There's some evidence to suggest chocolate can also help ward off diabetes and protect the skin. Now that's sweet news.
4 LOOK AWAY FROM YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN.
If you work at a desk job -or even if you're just a tech fan outside of the office -you probably spend a fair amount of time in front of screens. But all that computer time can do a number on your eyes. To combat strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for just 20 seconds.
5 GIVE SOMEONE YOU LOVE A HUG.
There's nothing quite like a good hug.And while a warm embrace certainly makes us feel happi er and more relaxed, there are also physical health benefits of hugging, like lower blood pressure and heart rate.
6 SMILE.
It's no surprise that people who smile a lot are usually happy people, but 2010 research suggests that people who smile widest also live the longest. Even if you're feeling stressed, faking a smile can eventually make you feel more at ease -and it only takes a moment.
7 FIND THE SILVER LINING.
A little optimism goes a long way . Looking on the bright side has been associated with a healthier heart and a stronger immune system, so next time you're voicing a complaint, take a minute to reframe those thoughts.
8 WASH YOUR HANDS.
This one also only takes 20 seconds -and it's well worth it. Simply educating communities about handwashing can lower the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by
9 ADD CINNAMON TO YOUR BREAKFAST.
Swapping salt or sugar for spices is a smart way to save calories without skimping on flavour. But cinnamon carries particular protective powers, especially for people with diabetes, since the spice seems to lower blood sugar levels. It may also lower cholesterol. We think it goes quite well with breakfast: Try it in yogurt, oatmeal, cereal or even coffee. 31 percent and lower the number of people who get colds and other respiratory illnesses by 21 percent, according to the CDC.
10 BUCKLE YOUR SEAT BELT.
Most adults consistently buckle up in the car, but not everyone: According to the most recent data available, about 87 percent of adults wear their seat belts. For the 13 percent who haven't quite gotten the message, it takes mere seconds to protect yourself, whether you're driving or just along for the ride.More than 2 million adults are treated for car accident injuries each year, and more than half of teens age 13 to 20 who died in car crashes in 2012 were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to the CDC.
11 REST IN CHILD'S POSE.
It's one of the most relaxing, restorative yoga poses, but it's also a gentle, reinvigorating stretch that may help relieve back and neck pain. Sit back and hold for that entire glorious minute.
12 WEAR SUNSCREEN.
Nearly 5 million Americans are treated for skin cancer each year, and sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of the disease. Yet it hardly takes any time at all to lather up against harmful UV rays. To cover yourself completely, aim to use about an ounce of the stuff if most of your skin is exposed.
13 HOLD A PLANK.
A daily one-minute plank is a classic fitness challenge you've probably seen hashtagged on your social networking feeds. Join the trend and you'll benefit from a stronger midsection, which can help ward off back pain and improve posture. Here's how to do it right.
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