These 5 Unbelievably Simple Tips Will Reduce Stress In 5 Minutes Or Less

There are a lot of things you can do to relieve stress, but finding the time to actually do them can be a challenge in itself. Taking ten minutes to meditate or go for a walk may not feel like a good use of your time if the pressure is on to meet a deadline. Missing yoga class to stay in and hit the books while you down a tub of chocolate ice-cream will just make you feel worse in the long run. And while shopping therapy certainly does put most gals in a good mood, watching the numbers rise on your credit card bills is anything but relaxing.

If you’re racing against the clock to get things done, you don’t need to stop what you’re doing in order to de-stress. Here are 5 incredibly fast and easy things you can do to reduce stress and add some Zen to your life:

 1.Crank up the volume

Photo by: QuinStreet

You can do this on your way to work, while having breakfast or when putting your makeup on. Studies have shown that listening to classical music can even help improve your concentration and self-discipline.

2. Bring your toys to work

Stress balls, Lego blocks, puzzles—Keeping a few toys within reach will give you a mental break and help release tension through your hands.

3.Stock up on bananas

Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, which help the brain release serotonin (a relaxing neurotransmitter) and melatonin. Plus, any food high in potassium is great for boosting brain power!

 4.Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth

GIF by:  POPSUGAR

Breathing is the most essential activity you engage in from the day you are born. You do it all the time without having to think about it. But if you become more conscious of your breathing, you will notice significant changes in your stress levels. Deep breathing sends more oxygen to the brain, decreasing levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

 5.Cuddle up at night with teddy

via YouQueen

If you insist that you don’t have time to do any of the things mentioned above, then at least make sure you take your teddy bear with you when you go to sleep. A survey conducted by the hotel chain Travelodge showed that 35 percent of adults in the UK still sleep with their teddy bears. Believe it or not, hugging and cuddling your teddy bear will help you de-stress while you sleep!