Try a warm decompress We tend to carry stress in our necks and upper backs . Get some relief by placing a warm heat wrap , wheat bag or hot water bottle on your neck and shoulders for 10 minutes . Close your eyes , take some deep breaths and relax . Then remove the heat and massage away the tension .
Get moving A short walk or simply standing up to stretch during a break at work , can offer immediate relief in a stressful situation . Getting your blood flowing , releases endorphins which can help to improve your mood .
Take a deep breath Deep breathing oxygenates your blood , helps centre your body and clears your mind – making it a powerful weapon against stress . Sit up in your chair with your feet flat on the floor and hands on top of your knees . Breathe in and out slowly and deeply , concentrating on your lungs as they expand in your chest .
Have some chocolate Research has shown that dark chocolate reduces stress hormones such as cortisol and other fight-and-flight hormones . Additionally , cocoa is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids .
“ Good relationships with family , friends and loved ones are important to any healthy lifestyle and there ’ s no time that this is more
important than when you ’ re under a lot of stress .”
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 3 | 2021
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