4 unexpected ways to eliminate stress

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Stress isn't just, well, stressful, it can also result in some pretty serious health concerns, like heart problems, high blood pressure and obesity. So it's always helpful to find ways to remove stress from our life — even momentarily. We talked to psychotherapist Janna Comrie, who gave us some out-of-the-box, less destructive ways to lower your stress levels.

Hula hooping​

Physical activity and exercise are proven ways to destress, so why not try hula hooping? Hula hooping often reminds us of childhood and because many of us aren't skilled hula hoopers (anymore) it can often lead to a few giggles, which is also a well-known stress buster.

Popping bubble wrap

What's that saying? Idle hands are the devil's workshop? Keeping your hands busy can help melt stress away. The body receives stress as a threat and sends itself into fight or flight mode, and sometimes the human response is to freeze in your tracks. Surprisingly, a nervous motion like finger tapping, foot jiggling or bubble wrap popping can help release muscle tension, which in turn helps to reduce the feelings of stress.

Ironing

The repetitive motion of ironing can send you into a trance-like state, where all your cares fall away as you focus on the menial task at hand. Plus, you're completing a household chore at the same time. Bonus!

Blowing up balloons & blowing bubbles

Your body requires oxygen to relax and when you're stressed you're likely taking short, shallow breaths. Blowing up a balloon or blowing bubbles forces you to breathe more slowly and deeply since you are using your diaphragm. It also activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces your heart rate and helps relax your muscles. Plus, who doesn't love balloons and bubbles?

Do you have any unexpected ways to de-stress? Let us know on our Facebook page.