Try These 7 Tricks for Instant Calm

By Health.com
October 24, 2014
IstockPhoto
Try some of our tips to de-stress and reenergize during the hectic holidays.
Start Slideshow

1 of 7

Slow down and reenergize

Feeling stressed? Try some of our easy ways to relax, refresh, and reenergize.

Lavender: A Soothing Scent
Sniffing lavender is an instant antidote to anxiety, according to a Japanese study. Try a lavender-scented candle like Feuille de Lavande (Lavender Leaf) by Diptyque ($60; beautyhabit.com). Its 60-hour burn time will keep you calmer longer.
Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 7

Spend less, give more

IstockPhoto
Feeling overwhelmed is a common complaint. Quick fix: Volunteer at a local charity.

A growing body of research shows that volunteers experience a stress-reducing "helpers' high" and other health benefits.

3 of 7

Turn up the tunes

IstockPhoto
Anxious? Listen to your favorite music, whether it's jazz or the latest from Jay-Z. Research from the University of Maryland shows that hearing music you love can relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. That not only calms you down but is good for your heart, too.
Advertisement

4 of 7

Your recipe for relaxation

Ericka McConnell
Craving something sweet? Try a delicious mango pie. The sweet, tangy scent of mangoes—whether they're fresh or jarred—may alter your blood chemistry and send a wave of calm over your body, research from Japan shows. Bake your own fragrant pie with our recipe.

5 of 7

Let it out

IstockPhoto
A full 85% of women say a good cry makes them feel better, according to biochemical researchers. Permission to break down—granted!

6 of 7

Just 1 minute...

Paula Hible
of intense exercise can boost energy and help combat stress, according to a recent study. Try Powerhouse Hit the Deck exercise cards ($20; powerhouseperformancecoaching.com) from exercise physiologist Jenny Evans.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 7

Squeeze here

IstockPhoto
Applying firm pressure on the fleshy skin between your index finger and thumb (called the "hoku" spot in traditional Chinese medicine) is a proven de-stressor, researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University say: Just 30 seconds of acupressure reduces upper-body tension by 39%.
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.health.com