Ways To Ease Your Stress

You may hate Mondays, but numerous studies have shown that it's actually Tuesday that is the most stressful day of the week. So with it being Tuesday, you might be looking for some ways to take away that tension.

Sure there's lots of ways to alleviate stress, (probably more than I can think of or am even aware of) but in tracking down the top tips out there here are six simple ways to ease your stress:

1. Exercise 

You know you've heard it before and you'll probably hear it again and again, cause breaking a sweat can equal breaking that stress. 

A 2012 University of Maryland School of Public Health study showed that people who exercised, even as little as 30 minutes a day, were not only less anxious, but were also able to maintain that feeling when confronted with distressing situations.

So get out there and get moving!

2. Enjoy a glass of wine 

Maybe not perfect for the middle of a stressful day, but at the end of one it can be just what the doctor ordered.

In fact according to Alice Domar, PhD, executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health in Boston, having a glass of wine is a nice relaxant, but she says "more important is having a ritual to separate the chaos of work from the comfort of home."

Just remember that it's alcohol in moderation that actually reduces stress, while consuming too much brings about all new stresses on the body.

3. Have a good laugh 

Perfect for breaking up a busy day is stopping to laugh a little.

Don't just strap yourself to your desk all day freaking out about all the work you have to get done, let your brain take a break and enjoy itself.

Stopping to share a funny story with co-workers or watch a silly online video can do wonders to brighten your mood and sharpen your senses to tackle the rest of your day.

One Oxford Study showed that the contracting stomach muscles actually trigger a surge of feel-good endorphins. So laugh and feel good as often as you can.

4. Get a massage 

Another great end of the day treat for yourself, massage is wonderful for relaxation. But it has other great benefits too.

Mary Beth Braun, President of the American Massage Therapy Association says that "Massage therapy can be effective for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, lower back pain, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, circulatory problems, and recovery from a sports injury."

You can also reap the benefits of this age-old healing practice for yourself, a simple kneading at the base of your neck or surrounding area will release serotonin, a natural anti-depressant.

5. Take a hot shower 

One of my favorites after a long day, a hot shower can help ease stress and tension.

Plus research from Yale University shows that the enveloping warmth you get from a hot shower can trigger brain and body responses that mirror emotional warmth, boosting your mood.

I personally am a fan of adding the Bath & Body Works stress relief or sleep body washes to the mix to really help wind down from the day.

6. Enjoy a cup of chamomile tea 

It's not just a song in a No Doubt song, sipping on chamomile tea can help you relax any time of the day too.

Chamomile has a long history of being both a stress reliever and a nerve relaxant, but it has also been known as a natural antidepressant, an immune system booster and can be a nature way to settle an upset stomach.

Depending on how susceptible to chamomile you are this may just be a nighttime tea for you (I know it is for me), but if it doesn't make you too sleepy it can be a great way to break up a stressful day.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed this week, try one of these stress reducing methods. And feel free to share some of the ways you like to relieve stress.