Effortless Tips to Reduce Stress at Home

Two men were walking through the woods when a large bear approached them. The first man dropped his backpack, dug out a pair of running shoes and began to furiously attempt to lace them up as the bear slowly approached them. The second man looked at the first, confused, and said, "What are you doing? Running shoes aren’t going to help, you can’t out–run that bear." "I don’t need to," said the first man, "I just need to out–run you!" As humorous as this story is, stress can be a positive force for survival, pushing us to achieve excellence in our educational, professional and recreational facets of life. Many of us would never have turned in a term paper or caught the last train without the stress of an impending deadline, but stress turns negative when it becomes unmitigated, prolonged and chronic, which quickly erodes our health and well–being, promoting disease and rapid aging.

Cortisol is the stress hormone made by our adrenal glands which gives us the "fight or flight" response in a stressful situation. The problem arises when cortisol levels remain continuously elevated because of constant stress, never allowing a normalizing of levels. Your body’s physiology responds like you’re being chased by the bear, even if you’re attempting to have a relaxed dinner at home.

Symptoms such as increased blood pressure, impaired cognitive function and sleep, blood sugar irregularity, increased abdominal weight gain and lowered immune response are all common with prolonged elevated cortisol levels.

We don’t always have control over the stress in our lives, but we can have control over how and when it affects us. Creating an environment that helps deflect and redirect stress is vital to reset your cortisol levels. We’ve talked before about how your ability to handle stress is determined by your health status; likewise, your surrounding environment at home must become an oasis, a place of peace, joy and relaxation that can help reset and normalize your stress hormones every day.

Research shows that color affects stress perception. A recent university study found that red environments increase stress responses, while green and white environments do not. In Feng Shui colors bring different energies into the home. Consulting with a knowledgeable designer can set the stage for a soothing and healing environment.

Listening to music can have a tremendously stress–reducing effect on our minds and bodies, especially slow, quiet classical music. Studies show that this type of music can have positive benefits on our physiology, reducing your pulse, lowering your blood pressure and decreasing the levels of cortisol. Invest in a sound system that can fill your home with beautiful music.

If your home is your castle, your bedroom should be your sanctuary. Get rid of the TV, the computers, the gym equipment, all the clutter. The bedroom should be inviting to either rest, sleep or love, anything else is a distraction. Invest in a bed and bedding that is worthy of spending one third of your life upon. Use an air purifier to provide as much clean oxygen in the room as possible. Essential oils are another powerful addition that adds a stress–reducing and healing touch as well.

Stop being chased by bears and start designing your style of living by creating a stress–free environment for health and vitality. 

Dr. David Melendez of Gold Coast Chiropractic