10 Minutes: Chew a Stick of Gum
Researchers
from Australia and England found that in moments of stress, gum chewers felt
less anxious and had 18 percent less cortisol (the stress hormone) in their
saliva. Chewing increases blood flow to the brain—which may make us feel more
alert—and it may also distract us from stress.
12 Minutes: Brew Some Black Tea
People who drank four servings of
black tea a day for six weeks were able to de-stress faster and had lower
levels of cortisol after a stressful event, according to a study from
University College London. Chemical compounds in the antioxidant-packed
beverage may relax us through their effect on neurotransmitters in the brain.
30 Minutes: Put on Music You Love
Music can elicit positive emotions
and reduce your levels of stress hormones. A study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that
patients who listened to
songs of their choice were less anxious before surgery. Boost your mood even
more by dancing along to trigger the release of feel-good endorphins.
