• Squeeze something like a stress ball ( a balloon filled with playdough works great ). As the nerves and muscle contract in your hand , the nervous system reduces certain hormones that control stress .
• Do animal walks such as frog jumps , crab walks , etc . Pretend to be a giant elephant stomping across the plains or a stealthy panther about to pounce !
• Hang upside down or do a handstand . Inversion directly triggers certain relaxation responses in our bodies and turns off the fight or flight stress response .
• Blowing bubbles is a fun calming strategy because it naturally slows the breathing pattern . Add some aromatherapy with this lavender bubble recipe .
• Listening to music can have a very calming effect on the body and mind . Turn it up and dance a little !
• Better yet , SHAKE ! Throw those hands up in the air and shake , shake , shake all the frustration out of your body .
• Make up a silly rhyme , then say it backwards ! Focusing the mind of a cognitive task engages the “ thinking brain ” which means your brain has to disengage from the emotions center .
• Create with your hands . Whether through finger painting , building LEGOS , kneading playdough , or squishing sand , getting busy with your hands reduces anxiety , and creative acts have been compared to meditation because they release dopamine , a natural antidepressant .•
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