IN Fox Chapel Area Winter 2013 | Page 51

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / Fox Chapel Area STRESS CONTROL SMILE. Smiling lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol. AROMATHERAPY. Essential oils improve your mood, reduce stress and even improve your memory. Try lavender, lemongrass, cinnamon or cedarwood. Being outdoors with green plants, fresh air and the sounds of nature is a proven stress buster. YOGA. The Mayo Clinic recommends practicing yoga to reduce stress and anxiety. GET KNEADED. Research from the Touch Research Institute indicates that regular massage lowers heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety levels, depression, hostility, and the stress hormone cortisol. SEE A THERAPIST. Mental health professionals can help you deal with stress. BEGIN WITH BREA Q!%9