Today a friend sent me a link to an article on how to de-stress instantly.  Gotta love it. It was from the Huffington post and was quick to point out that when it comes to stress our bodies don’t know the difference between facing off with a grizzly bear and having a fight with our boss. In both instances your body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode producing the hormone cortisol (you know the one they keep saying makes you fat). This hormone causes all kind of fun body reactions like, a quickened heart rate or a slight feeling of queasiness, getting anxious or overwhelmed, blood pressure rising and contributing to other  chronic conditions like hypertension and headaches, depression and anxiety disorders, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia. Are you ready to know how to push the instant relief buttons? I thought so. Now in the article they give you 20 but I’m whittling it down to 10 you can easily do right this instant.

  • Take a quick walk. Even if it is just a one minute stroll from your desk. Outside is even better.
  • Breathe. I know you’re like seriously? But yeah, just taking a few deep breaths -- can help reduce tension and relieve stress, thanks to an extra boost of oxygen.
  • Step away from your computer for a minute. In fact experts say you should take frequent breaks during your day of computer use -- and try to shut offline at least an hour before bedtime.
  • Put on some music at your desk.  Good news if you love the music it doesn’t have to be all namby-pamby.  Just click the listen live button right here at the webpage.
  • Check out a funny video.  I’ve got lots right here if you need one.
  • Call or Facebook with your best friend for a few minutes
  • Have a small snack like a banana, or protein like nuts or an egg
  • Chew a piece of gum
  • Close your eyes for a minute and picture something that makes you feel happy
  • Applying pressure to the space between your second and third knuckle (the joints at the base of your pointer and middle fingers) they say this little acupressure trick can help to create a sense of instant calm.
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