Stress Busters

Check out 3 surefire ways to beat stress!

By Kimberly Flynn

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LOOK FOR A LAUGH ON YOUTUBE.

“Laughter lowers stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine,” says Claire Michaels Wheeler, M.D., Ph.D., author of 10 Simple Solutions to Stress. Some studies even suggest that laughter may strengthen your immune system, speed healing, and make you more resistant to disease.

BRING HOME A PUPPY.

Numerous studies show that owning a pet can reduce stress, including a 2003 study from the State University of New York at Buffalo that found pet owners had smaller increases in heart rate and blood pressure during stressful activities than people without pets. Even aquarium fi sh have been shown to help lower blood pressure and increase relaxation levels.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT.

Most of the time when you’re stressed, you’re thinking about what just happened or what you have to do next, says Wheeler. Her advice: Use “meaning-based coping” to beat whatever’s got you down. Instead of complaining about a project or task, focus on the payoff you’ll get from pulling it off.

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