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Day in Health
by Lisa Collier Cool
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Heres yet another reason to look for ways to relax and unwind: New research shows that being chronically stressed is just as dangerous as smoking five cigarettes a day. Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center reported that people who often feel anxious or overwhelmed were 27 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack. The research, published this month in American Journal of Cardiology, pooled data from earlier studies of nearly 120,000 people, whose health was tracked for 14 years. The key takeaway, reports study author Safiya Richardson, is that anything [people] cam do to reduce stress may improve their heart health in the future. Heres a look at some simple, natural ways to curb stress that you probably havent tried before.
Step out the front doorand walk away from your woes: Research shows that a 20-to-30-minute walk can be as calming as a mild tranquilizer. Motivate yourself to move moreand stress less--by clipping on a pedometer, such as Fitbug Air, a pocket-sized activity tracker that streams your steps in real time to your mobile, tablet or desktop and provides a personalized fitness goals to work towards.
Contribute to charity
Money really can buy happiness, if you give it to charity. Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton recently reported at the TED conference that in nearly every country, studies show that people who donate to charity are more joyful and relaxed than those who only spend on themselves. A worthy cause to consider is Music & Memory, a charity that uses iPods with personalized playlists to improve quality of life for nursing-home patients with dementia.
People who held hands with their partner, followed by a 20-second hug, before a stressful task (giving a speech about an upsetting experience) had significantly lower blood pressure and levels of stress hormones than those who sat in a quiet room alone, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found. In another study, the researchers reported that women who received frequent hugs from their partner had higher levels of oxytocin. Known as the cuddle chemical, this hormone enhances social bonding and cardiovascular health. 9 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone
Laugh
Go to YouTube for another look at the silly video that always cracks you up. Your heart will rejoice! According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter releases feel-good endorphins and relaxes you physically and mentally. Other research shows that laughter expands blood vessels and increases blood flow to the heart. Laughter yoga, which combines deep yogic breathing and self-triggered mirth, is another great way to relax and recharge.