Bet you don’t expect this: Average stress levels in North America went down in 2011. On a scale of 10, a national survey says they dropped a full point, from 6.2 to 5.2.
Apparently, we’re getting used to living with constant stress — not good. However, we’re also getting better at managing it — good!
You’re not a wiz yet at getting your stress out of the stratosphere? Try our top 10 ways.
1. Take a timeout. Step away from whatever’s making every muscle tense. Even 10 minutes helps.
2. Walk. Or dance, lift weights, do yoga. Exercise gives you a break AND undoes some of stress’s bad biological effects.
3. Talk. Vent to someone close.
4. Meditate. Or do 10 minutes of deep breathing twice a day.
5. Laugh. Call your funniest friend, catch a favorite sitcom, watch crazy cat videos online.
6. Let it go. One person always gets to you? Take a deep breath and move on. The person you’re letting off the hook is you.
7. Keep lavender and lemon around — sprays, oils or the real things. Their calming scents are proven relaxants.
8. Play with a pet. Just stroking a four-legged friend lowers stress and blood pressure.
9. Squeeze tight. Scrunch up every face or body muscle for 15 seconds, then release. Repeat. Contraction-relaxation unknots you.
10. Accentuate the positive. Each night, focus on three good things that happened. Be grateful. Say “thanks.” A lot. Life is good.
The You Docs — Mehmet Oz, host of “The Dr. Oz Show” and Mike Roizen of Cleveland Clinic — are authors of “YOU: Losing Weight.” To submit questions, go to www.RealAge.com. A King Features syndicate.
