11 Ways to Reduce Stress in 5 Minutes or Less

Relieving stress doesn’t have to be a complicated or time-intensive process. There are many quick and easy ways to help you relax and let go of tension. And as an extra bonus, they can often be a lot of fun.

1. WATCH A GOOFY VIDEO.

Are you getting stalled on a big project? Watching a short, silly video may be just what you need to recharge. Humor is shown to help counteract the effects of mental stress, as well as increase productivity. For example, one study found that after watching a funny video clip, people spent twice as long on a tedious task compared to those who hadn’t watched the video.

2. DRINK A CUP OF GREEN TEA.

An amino acid found in green tea can reduce your body’s stress response when faced with a difficult situation. Researchers believe green tea may act on your nervous system to produce this calming effect.

3. SNIFF AN ORANGE.

A 2012 study found that inhaling the scent of an orange can significantly reduce your stress levels. You can try orange essential oil to relieve tension, or simply slice open a fresh orange and enjoy the scent. Researchers used the essential oil of Citrus sinensis, which is the regular sweet or navel orange that is widely available fresh and used for juice.

4. SQUEEZE A STRESS BALL.

Any repetitive movement, such as walking, bouncing a ball, drawing and coloring, knitting, or riding a bike, can help you relax. The repetition allows your mind to focus on the activity rather than any stressful thoughts or worries.

5. TAKE A WALK IN THE SUN.

The stress-reducing effects of exercise are well recognized, but research shows the benefits are increased if you exercise under bright light. A Finnish study compared people who exercised indoors 2-3 times weekly under regular or bright lights. Those who exercised under bright lights had better mental health, vitality and social functioning, as well as reduced carbohydrate cravings, weight gain and appetite.

6. SOLVE A PUZZLE.

Concentrating on a mental task like solving a crossword puzzle is great for relaxation. It engages the prefrontal cortex of your brain, which appears to help your body regulate anxiety levels during stressful times. Try a book of Sudoku or word search puzzles, or check out various games online.

7. LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE SONG.

An Australian study found that listening to music while you’re doing something difficult can help calm your body’s stress responses, including lowering anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormone levels.

8. STRETCH IT OUT.

If you find yourself fidgeting in your office chair or rubbing your shoulders, it might be a good time to stop for a quick stretch break. Participants in a University of Kentucky study reported feeling happier and less tense following a short stretching routine. Try some of these simple stretches for starters.

9. GIVE YOUR HAND A MASSAGE.

You don’t need a full-body massage to beat stress. A hand massage is shown to increase relaxation and reduce anxiety. If you receive a hand massage from another person, it can also improve communication and affection between the two of you. Exchanging hand massages with a friend is a great option, but PopSugar also describes how you can easily give yourself a hand massage.

10. BREATHE DEEPLY.

This is likely the easiest technique you can do. Simply taking a few deep breaths has been shown to slow down your heart rate, lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormone levels. The trick is to make sure you breathe into your tummy and lower abdomen. This allows your lungs to fill completely, bringing more oxygen into your body.

11. SNUGGLE YOUR PET.

Most pet owners would agree that spending time with your pet is a great stress reliever. Dogs, cats and other huggable pets are favorites as relaxing companions, but even having an aquarium has been shown to reduce stress. Pets are also proven to boost your overall health and well-being, so make sure to include a furry, fishy or other animal friend in your relaxation routines.

SOURCE: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/11-ways-to-reduce-stress-in-5-minutes-or-less.html

Back to Blog

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.