OMagazine says that many people
are unaware of some of the signs that the stress they’re experiencing has become “bad stress”—that is, stress that is likely to be harmful to their health.
Signs to be aware of include craving food even when you’re not hungry, snapping at people you care about most, and a racing heart. Some of the magazine’s tips for reducing bad stress may be as equally unfamiliar to you. These include:
Phoning a friend.
“Strange as it may sound,” writes Melinda Wenner Moyer, “stress can increase production of the hormone oxytocin, which helps you connect with others.
One theory is that a blast of oxytocin provides a kind of coping mechanism, helping to convert stressful experiences into opportunities for social bonding, which research shows can lower cortisol levels.”
Taking a whiff of lavender.
Moyer, who interviewed life coach Ruth Klein for her article, says Japanese researchers reported in 2008 that the aroma reduces stress levels in people forced to do difficult math problems. Keep a small bottle of lavender oil or lotion with you so you can sniff it when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
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