1. Laugh
It’s no joke, laughing causes immediate stress relief (no pun intended). According to the Mayo Clinic, laughing has both short-term and long-term benefits. Laughing enhances the amount of oxygen in the body, and ultimately stimulates your body’s organs and releases mood-boosting endorphins to de-stress. It also increases your heart and blood pressure slightly that leads to a relaxed feeling afterwards. So with that, take a short break and watch a funny YouTube video or Google pictures of adorable animals—something to help you smile and de-stress.

2. Eat
Yes, you can de-stress by healthy eating. There’s nothing worse than having a mountain of work to do while feeling those hunger pangs strike. That only results in unnecessary stress and the inevitable overeating. Instead, keep healthy snacks nearby that you can enjoy to stay relaxed and focused on the task at hand. Take a short break, a deep breath, and enjoy your snack. Nuts, avocados or a hardboiled egg are smart choices that won’t lead to inadequate nutrition and will keep you full.

3. Move
As you know, it’s so important to keep moving throughout your day! Not only will this help keep you fit, but also help you de-stress in a big way. Adjust your desk and stand for thirty minutes every hour, stretch, and talk to coworkers instead of emailing them. Movement has the power to boost creativity and endorphins, leading to a stress-free, relaxed work day. If you have time, go for a short walk around the block. Walking helps clear your head and take your mind off of whatever is causing you stress.

4. Breathe
When tension and panic start to rise, ever realize that you’re holding your breath? Deep breathing exercises are one of the most powerful ways to de-stress, and it only takes a second. Deep breaths increase the amount of oxygen in the body and stimulate a relaxed feeling, leading to reduced tension and stress.

5. Read
This may come as a shock, but reading is actually linked to reduced stress. According to the Telegraph, psychologists believe reading causes you to concentrate and focus on a literary world instead of the present one that’s causing you stress. Silently reading for as little as 6 minutes can help you de-stress by 68 percent!

How do you de-stress during the week? Share in the comments below!

The post De-stress for National Stress Awareness Month appeared first on Xdesk Blog.

Today, I thought we could talk about preventing and “treating” stress with food. And no, I’m not talking about emotional eating—something we do in response to stress. I’m talking about healthy foods that you can incorporate into your diet on a regular basis to help promote overall relaxation 24/7. Sounds good, right? I thought so too.

So without further ado, allow me to introduce you to 10 foods that you should be eating to promote relaxation, health, and an overall sense of “ahhhh.”

1) Asparagus: This green veggie is high in folic acid, which can help stabilize your mood.

2) Milk: Milk is high in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12, as well as protein and calcium.

3) Beef: Beef contains high levels of zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which are also known to help stabilize your mood.

4) Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium—it will keep you fuller longer and won’t spike your blood pressure which can stress you out. Mix it with fruit that is high in vitamin C like oranges or strawberries and you’ll have a stress-busting snack or breakfast.

5) Almonds: A good source of Vitamin B2 and E as well as magnesium and zinc, almonds are high in fat, but most of the fat is unsaturated. Like vitamin C, vitamin E has been shown to fight the free radicals associated with stress, and in particular, those free radicals that cause heart disease.

6) Tuna: A great lunch option, tuna is high in stress-fighting vitamins B6 and B12.

7) Blueberries: Very rich in antioxidants, blueberries offer a high-fiber, low-calorie fruit option that is also rich in stress-fighting vitamin C.

8) Crispy Rice Cereal: Although they aren’t low in sugar, cornflakes and crispy rice cereal are fortified with B vitamins and folic acid to help reduce stress.

Next time you’re feeling stressed out, it might be a good idea to take a look at your level of activity and your diet. By switching to a standing or adjustable height desk you’ll burn calories and get rid of the excess energy associated with stress, and by adding these healthy options into your diet, you’ll be well on your way to bliss.

Remember, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”  – Hippocrates

What foods do you incorporate into your diet to help de-stress?

The post De-Stress By… Eating! appeared first on Xdesk Blog.