Photo: Geber86/Getty Images
7 TECHNIQUES
FOR KEEPING YOUR
STRESS LEVELS LOW
BY GREG WELLS
L ife gives people plenty of reasons to be stressed.

1. MOVE YOUR BODY. Rhythmic, repeated motion
Relationship problems, child-rearing issues,
is particularly soothing to the mind and body.

and job or money woes are just some of life’s
A long walk, cycling, swimming or running will
complications that can weigh people down —
all work, but any kind of movement relieves tension,
and cause health problems.

“It’s difficult to stay healthy and energized when
stress is a daily reality,” says Dr. Greg Wells, author of
improves circulation and clears your mind.

2. GET INTO NATURE. Head to the garden, the park or
the woods to lower your blood pressure, strengthen your
“The Ripple Effect: Eat, Sleep, Move and Think Better.”
immune system, reduce tension and depression and
“Chronic stress can damage your body, threaten your
boost your mood. “It’s stunning how good it is for your
mental health, put a strain on relationships and take the
health to be in nature,” Wells says. “And I recommend
joy out of life.”
you leave the cell phone and earbuds at home.”
But there’s no reason to surrender to stress, Wells says.

3. PRACTICE YOGA OR TAI CHI. Therapy, yoga and
He suggests seven techniques that can help you have a
Tai Chi are good ways to decrease stress and anxiety,
healthier “thought life” and recover from chronic stress:
increase energy and boost the immune system.

22 February 2018
washingtonFAMILY.com