15 simple and effective ways to relieve stress

When stress takes over and you don’t have much time to deal with it, there are some techniques that can help you calm down. Believe it or not, blowing your thumb can be as effective a way to deal with tension as drinking orange juice.

O incredible.club took a few minutes to present some of the quirkiest and easiest ways to deal with stress.

Putting your thumb in your mouth and blowing on it can help relieve stress. By blocking the air passage with your thumb and exhaling, you activate the vagus nerve. This in turn will lower your heart rate and blood pressure, making you feel more relaxed.

If it’s too embarrassing to do this in public, you can always try pressing a spot between your second and third knuckles. This can act as a reset button of sorts, making you feel less stressed.

Chewing gum can reduce stress on and off the job, according to a study. The results show that this simple practice can also reduce fatigue, anxiety and depression, as well as improve mood.

Known as fractals, patterns with infinite images can be found in nature. You can get them in geometric shapes on seashells, frost marks on the window, cobwebs and flower petals. Many studies have shown that looking at these images can reduce stress levels by up to 60%.

Not only can a plant be a decorative item on your desk, it can also help relieve stress. Having them in offices instantly lowers blood pressure and even increases productivity, according to a study.

Endorphins are chemicals that help relieve stress, and when you laugh, you release these chemicals. Even if you’re faking a laugh, this will create an internal effect that will trigger the release of endorphins. When you laugh, both oxygen to your organs and blood flow increase. Just thinking about laughing can lower your stress level.

We live in a culture where crying can be seen as a sign of weakness in adults. But really, a good cry is just what you need to reduce stress. Stress “tenses the muscles; so when you cry, you release some of that,” says Stephen Sideroff, clinical psychologist.

If you’re looking for quick stress relief, you don’t need to take a full yoga class. You don’t even need a rug; just drop everything for a second and do a pose. You will feel a little calmer and ready to get on with your tasks.

Mantras are a form of meditation, which has been linked to reducing chronic stress, as well as lowering heart rate and blood pressure. It doesn’t take long and doesn’t require any “tools”. Just close your eyes and repeat the reassuring words until you feel better.

You can get into this position simply by bending and touching your feet while standing or on all fours. With the head below the heart, blood rushes to the head and not the feet. This will have the effect of calming your mind and therefore reducing stress.

Oranges are known for vitamin C and this can help manage stress more effectively. Vitamin C helps lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol. So if drinking orange juice is already part of your morning routine, you’re off to a great start.

When you’re stressed, you tend to take short, quick, shallow breaths. But you need oxygen to relax. By blowing a balloon, you are using your diaphragm to breathe more slowly and deeply. Your heart rate will also slow down and your muscles will relax.

Focusing on the smell of the soap, the temperature of the water and the feel of the dishes can decrease nervousness by 27%, according to one study. So if you’re feeling stressed, it’s time to ditch the dishwasher and do it all yourself.

Like your fingers, your ears are like “reset” buttons that can calm you down when you’re going through stressful situations. A study proved that auriculotherapy can reduce anxiety levels.

Petting your furry friends can help release positive brain chemicals into your system, lowering harmful, stress-causing hormones. Your pet can help lower your blood pressure, make you feel less anxious, and even boost your immunity.

Physical touch releases oxytocin, a hormone linked to love and bonding. A good hug can release this substance and help you calm down when things are stressful. Hugging provides a sense of security and soothes distressing emotions.

Which of these unconventional ways to deal with stress have you tried? Did they help you? Would you try all of these suggestions if you were tense?