Less stress in 10 minutes

Does thinking about finances turn your stomach into a knot? You’re not alone. According to a recent American Psychological Association (APA) survey, money is a significant source of stress for about 75 percent of Americans. Soothe frazzled nerves with these five easy techniques that you can put to work in 10 minutes or less.

1. Order the fish. While tension may have you craving carbs or sweets, eating three ounces of fatty fish, like salmon or tuna, twice per week will have a much more positive impact on your stress levels. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids help keep stress hormones (namely cortisol and adrenaline) from spiking.
2. Talk to a pal. You might be reluctant to burden your loved ones with your problems, but a phone call or a chat with your BFF may be exactly what you need to feel better during rough times. The same APA survey mentioned above showed that people who have connections to turn to for emotional support, such as friends and family members, report lower stress levels than those without emotional support.
3. LOL. Go ahead, click on the funny cat video that pops up in your social feed. A good laugh increases the release of feel-good endorphins.
4. Chew gum. Did you know that chomping on a stick of gum may do more than just help bad breath? In an Australian study, gum chewers experienced reduced stress and lower levels of anxiety.
5. Improve your view. It’s tempting to stare at your smartphone when you need to zone out, but looking out the window at a tree or plants may make you feel better. In fact, when it comes to beating stress, nature trumps technology. Research shows that heart rates drop more quickly when people view real nature scenes versus ones that are watched on a screen.