![\"Relax](\"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/healthyhorizons\/files\/2016\/04\/Relax-2.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The positive health effects of relaxation are seemingly endless, spanning from reducing blood pressure to improving concentration and reducing feelings of anger and frustration. We all need to take a break from the stresses of everyday life, and luckily you don\u2019t need to be a yoga aficionado to unwind.<\/p>\n
Eat (and sniff) citrus fruits. A study published in Psychology Today called vitamin C a \u201cstress buster\u201d because of its ability to prevent a spike in anxiety-inducing cortisol.\u00a0 Snacking on citrus fruit or taking a vitamin C supplement can lessen you physical and psychological reactions to stress and help you unwind.\u00a0 Even just the smell of these acidic fruits may be enough to reduce anxiety (as well as help with digestion)!<\/p>\n
Take a stroll outside. When we exercise outside, our levels of the stress hormone cortisol are reduced more significantly than when we work out indoors at the gym or on the treadmill.\u00a0 Plus you may get a boost of energy \u2013 some research suggests that just being in nature reduces exhaustion and increases your get-up-and-go!<\/p>\n
Take some time to check out the fishies. Ever wondered why there are always fish tanks in your doctor\u2019s or dentist\u2019s office.\u00a0 Research conducted found that only five minutes of contact with aquariums, or other nature-like features, significantly decreased feelings of stress anger, fear and other unpleasant emotions.<\/p>\n
Listen to some music. Music can elicit feelings of euphoria and intense pleasure in the human brain.\u00a0 Music increases the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that plays an important role in relaxation by decreasing the production of stress hormones.\u00a0 We may also look to our favorite playlists when we\u2019re feeling stressed or need a moment of peace.<\/p>\n
Meditate.\u00a0\u00a0 OK, so this isn\u2019t a wacky way to relax, but it\u2019s one that\u2019s almost guaranteed to work.\u00a0 Meditation is a scientically proven way to reduce stress and negative emotions in the body according to the Mayo Clinic.\u00a0 When you meditate, which can be accomplished through guided meditation or other forms such as yoga or Tai Chi, be sure to dim the lights and set a soothing atmosphere.<\/p>\n
http:\/\/health.howstuffworks.com\/wellness\/stress-management\/national-relaxation-day-pictures.htm<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The positive health effects of relaxation are seemingly endless, spanning from reducing blood pressure to improving concentration and reducing feelings of anger and frustration. We all need to take a break from the stresses of everyday life, and luckily you … Continue reading