"Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which can damage our brains and weaken our cardiovascular and immune systems over time." Rick Hanson, PhD, neuropsychologist
This blog is continued from yesterday with suggestions from Prevention Magazine December 2012
6. Give yourself a hug. When you think negatively about yourself, the brain signals the body to raise blood pressure and increase adrenaline and cortisol levels Wrapping your arms around yourself and giving yourself a big hug can release oxytocin and other biochemicals that promote well-being.
7. Focus on the exhale: The most important part of breathing is the exhale. Try making them twice as long as the inhale.
8. Just move it -- even a little. Even 2 minutes of exercise is enough to change your mood, as long as you raise your heart rate -- according to John Ratey, MD, Harvard Medical School
9. Relax your jaw and tongue. This sends a message to your brain stem and limbic system to turn off the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol according to Dr. Marsha Lucas
10. Nibble on chocolate. A Johns Hopkins University study reveals that the taste of sweetness on your tongue causes a surge of feel-good endorphins. In addition, dark chocolate contains compounds called flavonoids that positively impact mood, mental acuity and attitude.
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