10 Ways to Relieve Stress for National Stress Awareness Day - April 16th

WESTLAND, Mich.–– Sometimes we all just need to take a step back and relax. It's good for you and takes less time than you think. Stress is measured as physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. It lives inside each and every one of us in many different ways, whether it's work related, an issue with a relationship, or something else causing your brain to go wild. The amount of American's that experience stress has increased over the past few years, making it increasingly important for people to find new ways to cope with lifestyle changes and issues affecting them day after day. We want to ensure that you take the time you need to alleviate some of the pressure you are feeling. Try one of these 10 ways to relieve stress for National Stress Awareness Day - April 16th:

1. Exercise Regularly
Performing daily exercise is an easy and effective way to combat stress, especially after a long day of work. Putting your body through physical stress can actually take away some of your mental stress. Find an activity that you enjoy, such as walking, running, dancing, or even yoga. This will be a great way for you to take a load off!

2. Sleep Longer and Better
A lack of sleep can really cause a significant amount of stress on your body. When thoughts keep whirling through our head at night, it's harder to fall asleep. Relax before bed time to ensure you can enjoy a good night's rest. Avoid using your smart phone device, drinking caffeine, and performing demanding work before bed time. This will keep your brain calm and help you fall asleep faster!

3. Practice Deep Breathing
Stress on your brain ignites your sympathetic nervous system, sending your body into "fight-or-flight" mode. This releases stress hormones, getting you all worked up inside. Practicing deep breathing exercises will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the relaxation response. Focus on the awareness of your breath to slow it down and make it deeper.

4. Light a Candle
Burn a scented candle or use essential oils to calm your body and reduce any feelings of stress and anxiety. There are certain scents that have been known to be especially soothing. These include lavender, rose, vetiver, bergamot, roman chamomile, neroli, frankincense, sandalwood, ylang ylang, orange, and geranium.

5. Listen to Music
Music works as a helpful tool in treating many different things. It can have a very relaxing effect on the body and helps us manage our stress levels. Whether you prefer to listen to your favorite tunes or you rely on soothing sounds, music is a great stress reliever! Turn it on, crank it up, and jam to some music that'll take your mind away.

6. Spend Time With Your Pet
Studies show that owning a pet, specifically a dog, reduces your levels of stress and improves your mood. Interacting with pets along with cuddling, can spark a positive mood and make you feel much better. Owning a pet gives you a sense of purpose, keeps you active, and provides a companion.

7. Learn to Say No
A lot of stress can be caused by having too much to do in too little of time. We tend to take on more responsibility than we can handle, causing our minds to lose control. Although you may want to take on every task, our bodies weren't meant to perform too much work. Juggle your responsibilities better by only taking on enough for your body to handle. Sometimes it's okay to just say no!

8. Take a Walk
Taking a quiet, meditative stroll, will work wonders in terms of stress relief. Even a simple walk around the block will free our minds and keep us calm. The outdoors are a great place to take our mind off everything and just enjoy the atmosphere. Don't rush, just take the time to relax and stroll.

9. Chew Some Gum
This is a relatively effective method for quick stress relief. Studies show that people who chew gum have lower stress and a greater sense of well-being. Gum chewing relaxes people and promotes blood flow to the brain. So, throw in a piece if you're starting to feel overwhelmed!

10. Laugh It Out
Laughing is a great mood booster and anxiety reliever. It brings more oxygen into your body, stimulates and relieves your stress response, and relieves tension in your muscles, ultimately relaxing your body. Watch a funny show or listen to a comedian for a good laugh. It's great for your health all the way around!

There are many ways to combat the stress you're feeling. Start with something simple and start incorporating these stress relief activities into your daily routine. The less stressed you feel, the happier and more productive you'll be down the road. Try one of these 10 ways to relieve stress for National Stress Awareness Day - April 16th. You'll be thankful you did! Another great way to take a load off your shoulders is making sure you vehicle is up to speed on spring car care. Schedule an appointment with our service team to ensure your ride is ready for the rainy weather this season!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

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