Welcome toThrifty. A weekly column where assistant nutrition editor and registered dietitian, Jessica Ball, keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two, and make earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.
We all are very familiar with stress and the impact it can have on our mood. In some cases, it can be unavoidable. Some stress can even come from health-promoting behaviors, like a hard workout or taking on a new challenge. However,too much stressin our lives can lead to undesirable consequences, such as weight gain, increased inflammation and greater risk of getting sick. When stress inevitably sneaks up on us, it’s important to have strategies to keep it in check. Instead of trying the latest pricy wellness gadget or supplement, there are plenty of affordable (and even free) ways to take a step back and improve your state of mind. Here are the cheapest ways to relieve stress and be happier.
Walking
There are so many reasons to love walking. It’s free, most people can do it, and it can evenadd years to your life, as long as you pick up the pace. During a day spent in front of a computer screen, taking a walk break is the#1 thing I do to boost my energy levelsand clear my head. Getting outside for some fresh air is a great way to reduce stress immediately and also in the long term. For some extra relaxation, consider leaving your phone at home and taking this time to unplug. Taking sometime away from screenshas been proven to help ease stress.
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Meditation
Breathing
If you want something even simpler than a structured meditation, try stepping away from what you’re doing and taking 10 deep breaths.Researchhas shown that different styles of breathing are associated with different emotions.Slowing down our breathing(think taking 10 breaths over the course of a minute) helps improve our psychological and nervous system flexibility, which helps improve emotional control and mental well-being. In fact,a studyfound that over time slower deep-breathing helps improve attention, affect and lower cortisol levels (which are associated with stress in the body). Breathing is free, easy and can help relieve stress in as little as one minute. Plus, you can do it anywhere you are.
Bottom Line
In some ways, stress is inevitable. Though it is not realistic to completely remove stress from our lives, coping mechanisms can help us keep it in check so it doesn’t negatively impact our health. This isn’t an all-encompassing list, but these easy strategies can help lower stress and boost mood in a matter of minutes. As a bonus, they are basically cost-free. Get out for a walk, practice a meditation and try some deep-breathing today to feel the benefits.
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