Alberta Cancer Foundation

5 Ways to De-Stress

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1. Go for a walk
Going for a walk not only boosts endorphins and gets blood flowing, but walking in a green space can also put your body in a state of relaxation thanks to something called “involuntary attention” during which something holds your attention but simultaneously allows for reflection.

2. Put on some tunes
Classical music has the most soothing effect, but playing any music you enjoy can flood your system with stress-reducing hormones like dopamine.

3. Breathe slowly and deeply
Slow, deep breathing can reduce stress by giving you a boost of oxygen and slowing your heart rate. Think of the kind of breathing you do when you’re asleep, the most de-stressed part of your day.

4. Eat a banana
Eating something sweet, like a banana, slows the production of the stress hormone glucocorticoid, and bananas contain potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure.

5. Spend time with a friend or loved one
Being around a best friend or someone close to you can actually reduce your production of cortisol, otherwise known as the stress hormone.

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