Take the RealAge Test or sign in to find out how old you really are.
 

RealAge Tip

All About YOU: 3 Quick Ways to Destress Your Head

Rating: 4 out of 5
Stress isn't all bad. Short-term, it can help you meet a deadline, turn a double play, or keep your bumper from getting crumpled.

But when stress lingers like week-old leftovers, it's time to pull the plug with a quick stress-busting technique like scrunching, breathing, or corking. Here's how to do 'em:

Quick Fix
Chronic stress can destroy your sleep patterns, boost the rate at which your arteries age, and turn your immune-system function down too low. But you can quickly rein in stress with these tricks:
  • Scrunch your face tightly for 15 seconds, then release. Repeat several times. Repetitive contraction and relaxation helps release tension you’re holding above the neck.
  • Breathe in, lick your lips, and then blow out slowly. The cool air helps you refocus and slow down. Learn the right way to breathe for better oxygen saturation.
  • Cork it. Hold a wine cork vertically between your teeth (some people may first need to slice a bit off the top before it will fit). A gentle bite on the cork will force your jaws -- a major tension-holder -- to relax. (Skip this exercise if you have this medical condition.)
Know other tricks for pulling the plug on stress? Share them with other RealAge members on our Message Boards.

New Look: Tell Us What You Think!
The RealAge Web site now has a new look and feel. Check out all the changes and then give us your feedback!
RealAge Benefit: Having a backup stress-reduction technique on hand when you can’t otherwise destress can make your RealAge 6 years younger.

References Published on 02/15/2008.
YOU: Staying Young. Roizen, M. F., Oz, M. C., New York: Simon & Schuster, 2007.

EDITOR'S PICK
executive toy


Why are way more adults than kids stressed-out? Easy. Adults don't have enough fun! No recess, no fun and games, no jokes on the bus -- just work. Time for a high-flying executive toy to take your mind off the hook. Liftoff!

Add RealAge partner Amazon.com to your bookmark favorites.

 
Click stars to rate.

Rate This Tip

Tips from the RealAge Community MemberTipsIcon
What other advice on this topic can you add?
Sort by:
Catty_Capr...
3 of 3 people found this helpful.
2/17/2009 5:09:03 AM

For me another way to de-stress is through excercise. When I feel pressured I either walk, job or simply work out. I feel all the tensions e [Show More]
Add Your Tip
Sign in to find out how young or old you really are and to create -- or review -- your RealAge profile and inbox.

Want more? Search all our tips by topic or interest.

Subscribe Icon Subscribe to receive RealAge Tips by e-mail.   SUBSCRIBE

    Add RealAge Tip of the Day to your site.

WATCH VIDEOS  RealAge Video  »
RealAge Cooking Tips & Techniques Shelling and Deveining Shrimp and Butterflying Shrimp VideoRealAge Cooking Tips & Techniques Shelling and Deveining Shrimp and Butterflying Shrimp Video
Here are the secrets to preparing shrimp. Perfect for entertaining.

FIND RECIPES »

asparagus
In Season: Asparagus.
High in folate. Big in taste.
 

GET ANSWERS »