How to alleviate stress using these 10 Stress Busting tips!

by Christa Scalies, Founder Giggle On®

Stress. We’ve all got it. Some of it is good stress. Some of it is nasty, bad and chronic.

Did You Know?

• According to the American Psychological Association CEO, Norman B. Anderson, PhD, stress is a key driver of chronic illnesses. Anderson states, “75% of health-care costs are associated with chronic illness.”
• The World Health Organization estimates stress costs American businesses $30 billion dollars a year?
• Chronic diseases cause 7 in 10 deaths each year in the United States.

Freaked out? Don’t be. I have good news for you. Famous endocrinologist and “Father” of the field of stress research once said, “It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”

How then do we learn to cope with chronic stress, manage it or simply bust it in its face?

10 Tips to Bust Stress 

Laugh Out Loud (LOL).

Laugh for no reason (think Laughter Yoga), find a comedy to tickle your funny bone or enjoy time with friends. Laughter, whether real or even fake, works to counter your body’s stress response.

Hug Somebody.

In a world where we’re presumably more connected with social media, we’re more disconnected from human beings than ever. There is no substitute for human contact. Hugs heal, straight up!

Pray. Meditate. Be Still.

No matter what you like to call it, taking time to be silent can help bring you into balance by positively impacting your brain chemistry. Need help starting? While inhaling deeply into your belly, chest and upper back, meditate on the word “peace”. Visualize stress leaving your body on the exhale.

Play With A Pet.

Got dog? Got cat? Get your petting on. Studies show petting our furry animals helps lower blood pressure.

Exercise.

Go ahead and Crossfit if you must (or if you can) but you don’t need to become an Olympian to reap benefits of exercise. Play ball. Dig in the dirt. Take a brisk walk with your dog. Whichever way you choose, moving your body pumps endorphins, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters.

ZZZZZZZ.

Sleep. Yup, gotta get it. Turn off your electronics. Set a regular bedtime and become one with your pillow. Sleep is nature’s gift to you. Take it!

Chat.

Go ahead and call or video chat with that special person who always makes you smile. If you don’t have a friend who makes you smile, rent one, steal one or hire one. They’re out there.

Get Your Massage On!

Massage therapy is a great way to relieve and release stress. Your body has a unique way of storing stress. Don’t store it, send it packing!

Stay Hydrated.

Water is one of those fundamental building blocks of life. Your body needs it to flush out toxins and work its best.

Sing.

Sing a song. Sing out loud…oh, you know the rest. Singing draws more oxygen into your blood. Your body loves oxygen. Anything you can do to get more O2 is good!

How Do You Bust Stress?

Let us know how you bust stress. Do you have a North Delaware company dedicated to helping your clients relieve and release stress? Leave a reply below or contact Christa at [email protected]

About Christa Scalies and Giggle On®

Christa Scalies is a resident of Wilmington, DE and the founder of Giggle On. Giggle On offers stress reduction and laughter therapy services to businesses, schools, universities and social service organizations. For more information visit www.GiggleOn.com