7 Things You Didn't Know Can Help Relieve Stress

Most of us have our go-to activities and habits to cope with stress. Whether they're healthy ones like exercise, or less-than-stellar approaches like smoking, sometimes our coping habits become a bit routine and don't relax us the way they used to. Here are a few out-of-the-ordinary ways to destress: 1. Grounding. Also sometimes referred to as "earthing," it simply means the act of walking barefoot on the ground, or laying on the ground. When was the last time you laid on the ground and looked up at the sky? It's sort of funny that there's even a word for this. Proponents of grounding as an actual therapy believe it affects the nervous system and release of stress hormones such as cortisol, and studies are beginning to support some of these claims. Kids know it feels great; as adults we get too busy and forget this sort of thing. Take some barefoot in the grass time or lay down and look at the clouds for five minutes -- you might feel better. 2. Getting upside down. You know... doing a handstand or headstand. Inverting, or using an inversion table if doing it on your own, seems too daunting. Now, this one actually has more science behind it. Inversions take some pressure off your spine, help regulate the pituitary and pineal glands and helps trigger the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system. But besides that, it just helps quiet the mind down and give you a new perspective. When I've been at the computer too long or feel stuck, one of my favorite wa...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news