Relax: Alternative Sources of Stress Relief

Pets

Taking care of a pet takes some extra responsibility and money, but having a pet may be very beneficial for managing your stress levels. Just having an animal around to play with or cuddle can be a great stress reliever, especially the pet is not the “biting type.” Recent research shows that perceived stress, as well as the body’s physical reaction to stress, is greatly reduced when around domesticated animals.

In one study, performed at the State University of New York at Buffalo, researchers found that people performing less-than-enjoyable tasks, experienced lower levels of stress while around their pets than when they were around their friends or spouse. The experiment involved two groups of married couples: half had a pet (either a cat or a dog), and the other half did not have one. Researchers measured the blood pressure levels and heart rates of the subjects as they performed stressful tasks, and found the levels to be significantly lower in the participants that had pets.

Because of issues with overpopulation, there is no shortage of cats and dogs. If you are looking for a new furry friend, think about adopting at your local animal shelter. It is cheaper than a pet shop (so the stress reduction starts immediately), and you may be saving the animal from an untimely demise.

Laughter

There is some merit to that old cliché about laughter being good medicine. Though it may not exactly be the “best” medicine, laughter has been shown in tests to help alleviate both physical and mental stress. Anyone with a sense of humor can recognize the beneficial distraction from stress that a good laugh session can cause, but research has shown that there are actually physical changes that laughter induces. Research has shown that stress hormones like cortisol are reduced during laughter, and that the physical action of laughter can relax muscles and increases circulation.

Video Games

Though fighting eight AT-STs at once may seem like extra stress in your life, playing Star Wars video games, or really any video games, really can provide long-lasting stress relief. Even something as simple as playing Minesweeper for ten minutes at the office can give your brain a nice break from stressful thoughts. And for people who play more violent games, video games may provide a valuable outlet for the aggression that stress may cause.

Music

Because listening to music can be a passive activity, it can be one of the most useful forms of stress relief. Whether you are into piano jazz or classic punk, listening to your favorite music can be an extremely beneficial stress reliever. Try bringing your headphones to work and jamming out to your favorite artists on a free internet radio site, such as Pandora or Slacker, to help you alleviate some of that stress.

Sex

Sex can be one of the most beneficial activities you can participate in. When practiced responsibly, a healthy and safe sex life can be a great de-stressor. Sex normally provides you with great exercise while increasing your brain’s dopamine levels, which creates the feeling of euphoria and relaxation. Though you may have trouble getting in the mood if you are too stressed, the resulting relief and increased intimacy with your partner can be extremely beneficial.