How to Relieve Stress Based on Science

Stressful experiences activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We may at first feel energized because the HPA axis stimulates the production of cortisol and other energizing hormones—it gives us the energy we need to get away from the stressor (which used to be things like predators). But if we experience stress too frequently, our HPA axis can start to get dysfunctional, leading us to feel "wired but tired."

That is because, in our modern world, we often experience more ongoing stress than our body is really designed to handle. As a result, we can end up mentally and physically ill. And we may even need to detox our stress to get our bodies working properly again.

Given just how harmful stress can be on the body, finding ways to relieve stress is essential. In this article, we will talk about some of the science-based stress relief strategies you can try.

Get good sleep

Not getting enough sleep contributes to greater HPA axis activation. So to relieve stress, it can be really helpful to get more (and better) sleep. Be sure to block out blue light (from TVs, phones, and computers) 30 minutes before bed. You may also want to consider getting a red light bulb (which research suggests may improve sleep) for your bedside lamp.

Exercise lightly

We all know that exercise is good for us. But exercise also increases the demand for energy and cortisol, so if we desire to relieve stress, we may benefit more from lower-intensity exercises, like walking, swimming, or yoga.

Try meditation

Studies show that mediation can decrease cortisol in the context of stressful situations. Plus, meditation has been shown to help reduce depression and anxiety across several studies. So it may be helpful to try meditation for stress relief and see if it’s a good fit for you.

Develop a challenge mindset

When we view situations as threatening, it can make us feel more stressed. If we instead view our difficult situations as a challenge (and not a threat), we can feel less stressed and more capable of handling the situation. Therefore, try to shift your mindset and think about how you have the skills to handle the stressors that come your way.

Use breathing exercises

One good way to activate the parasympathetic nervous system—our "rest and digest" calming system—is by regularly using deep breathing. For example, taking a breath in for a count of four, holding for a count of four, releasing for a count of four, and holding again for a count of four is a simple technique that can help you slow your breathing down.

Take a cold shower

A great way to activate the parasympathetic nervous system is to take a cold shower after getting warm with an exercise or a sauna. Both exercise and a sauna may be self-soothing, but research shows that submerging the body in cold water also activates the calming parasympathetic nervous system. Therefore, consider trying a cold shower or swim to relieve stress.

Reconsider your diet

The foods we eat often contribute to stress. For example, sugar increases inflammation, which stresses the body, so it can exacerbate stress in the longer term. Trans fats also contribute to inflammation, which can put pressure on the HPA axis. In general, eating a diet of high-quality protein and vegetables seems to be the best bet to relieve stress.

Avoid caffeine

Caffeine actually activates our HPA axis, making us feel more anxious. You may want to limit your intake of coffee, caffeinated tea (like green and black teas), and energy drinks to relieve stress.

Consider taking adaptogens

Adaptogens are plants that are thought to help relieve stress. Some adaptogens that have been studied and shown to work include Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Eleuthero, Jiaogulan, Rhodiola, and Ginseng.

In Sum

In our modern world, most of us need some stress relief. By learning to use these science-based stress-relief techniques, we can start to improve our mental and physical health.

References

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