10 Healthy Ways to Alleviate Stress

Original document from Mercola here

1. Put on a blue shirt

Blue is generally relaxing, while orange is the biggest irritant.

2. Pause your mental TiVo

Stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and quickly count to 10 while strongly pressing your right thumb and forefinger together. Now do the same with your left hand. Repeat this five times. This will clear your mind.

3. Recruit an anger buddy

Find a thick-skinned friend who’ll let you verbally assault him when the situation warrants. Make sure you’re willing to return the favor. Make sure the tirade is brief, private, and somewhat controlled.

4. Fabricate a smile

Grin. According to experts, people who are manipulated into smiling report feeling better instantly -- going through the motions can trigger the emotions.

5. Clean your room

Most people don’t realize how much clutter causes stress. Pick clothes up off the floor, remove dirty glasses from the coffee table, and make your bed.

6. Climb the stairway to heaven

Music has been shown to reduce stress and have a positive effect on health.

7. Order Chinese

According to recent research, ginger and broccoli may temporarily help relieve depression.

8. Dot your eyes

Draw two dots an inch or so apart on a piece of white paper. Stare at the space between them with an out-of-focus gaze until they merge. Release and repeat three times.

9. Sniff a lemon

Nice smells such as fresh fruit, a looming thunderstorm, or just-mowed grass can turn your beat around.

10. Chop till you drop

Cook something from scratch. You are now in touch with your primal self; destroying and creating at the same time is the ultimate mood lifter.