It is a curious thing, this business of stress, how it settles upon a person. Yet, the remedies, I have found, can be just as curious. In a study I came across, one involving British women of a certain age, it was discovered that the simple act of singing releases something quite remarkable into the system.
Scientists, I have read, have given it a name. Anandamide. They call it the “bliss molecule,” which seems a rather grand title for something you cannot see or hold. But there it is. The research suggests this chemical, and others that help it along, circulates and makes the more hectic days manageable. A rush of feel-good chemicals. Helper molecules.
A system for coping, all brought on by a simple song.
One recalls the quiet concentration of an evening game. The clatter of mahjong tiles on a wooden table, or the soft thud of a Scrabble piece placed just so. These hobbies, it seems, do more than pass the time. They are said to gently lower one’s blood pressure and reduce the hormones associated with strain.
More than that, though, is the company. The shared silence. The quiet murmur of conversation between moves. There is a study, I believe in *The American Journal of Psychiatry*, that links such social time to a diminished risk of depression. A small, portable game on a trip. A girls getaway. The memory of shared laughter over a winning hand.
These things provide a bulwark against a certain kind of encroaching loneliness.
Perhaps the most peculiar remedy I have come across involves a pencil. After a tense meeting. An unpleasant interaction. You are instructed to place a pencil across the corners of your mouth and bite down, gently. The science of it is almost like a clever piece of theatre; the action activates the very same facial muscles used when one is smiling.
This, in turn, sends a signal to the brain’s emotional center, a message that things are, in fact, alright. Feel-good neurotransmitters are released. In just a few seconds, the world itself can begin to appear more cheerful. A pen, a chopstick, the handle of a wooden spoon. Any will do. A positive feedback loop, they call it.
A simple, physical trick to reframe one’s entire outlook.
And then, there are the small, permissible indulgences. A square of chocolate, for instance, particularly the kind with pistachios that seems to be so fashionable now. It is not mere comfort. There is a study from Penn State University suggesting that the healthy fats in pistachios can help lower blood pressure during stressful moments.
The chocolate itself, whether milk or dark, also plays a part. For women, enjoying a small amount—about 1.4 ounces, to be precise—has been shown to lessen feelings of stress. The snap of a good dark chocolate bar. The creamy pistachio filling. A minor, deliberate pleasure with effects that ripple outwards, calming the noise of the day.
It is strange, is it not, how these small, almost insignificant rituals can hold such weight, providing a quiet anchor in the day’s turbulent currents.
• The Bliss of Song The act of singing can trigger a rush of endocannabinoids, including a chemical some have called the “bliss molecule,” which fortifies your ability to cope with daily pressures.
• A Game of Connection Engaging in social hobbies like board games or mahjong not only reduces stress hormones and blood pressure but also significantly lowers the risk of depression by fostering companionship.
• The Pencil-Induced Smile Gently biting down on a pencil activates the same muscles used for smiling, sending a signal to your brain to release mood-boosting neurotransmitters and instantly shifting your perception to be more positive.
• A Sweet Reprieve Consuming pistachios can help regulate blood pressure during tense moments, while a small portion of milk or dark chocolate has been shown to decrease feelings of stress, offering a delicious and effective form of relief.
The human experience is often marked by turmoil, a relentless tide of anxiety that threatens to consume us. Yet, amidst this chaos, there exist gentle —lines, carefully crafted to guide us back to calmer shores. Stress reduction techniques, honed over centuries, have been shown to possess a profound impact on both — and mind.
By incorporating mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises into our daily routines, we can begin to quiet the turbulent waters of our minds.
Research has consistently demonstrated that these techniques can have a profound effect on our physiological responses to stress, lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels.
Studies have revealed that regular practitioners of stress reduction techniques exhibit increased grey matter in areas of the brain associated with emotional regulation, memory, and learning.
This neural plasticity, fostered through dedicated practice, enables us to better navigate —‘s challenges with greater ease and resilience.
As we navigate the complexities of modern —, it is essential to recognize the value of these ancient practices. By embracing stress reduction techniques, we can cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace, one that is not dependent on external circumstances, but rather on our own inner resources.
In doing so, we may discover that even in the midst of turmoil, a sense of calm and clarity can be ours ← →
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Stress management just got easier. These quick tips help you feel your best while bringing your stress levels down.
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