With many of us trying desperately to perfect the balance of work, family and social lives, it can seem as though there is little time to relax Taking time to de-stress and relax your body and mind is integral to maintaining optimal health. Fortunately, there are many ways to make relaxation a part of your everyday life. Here are our top 10 ways to de-stress: 1. Try tryptophan Many of us reach for food when we are stressed out, however this may be no bad thing as certain foods can actually help us to relax. Foods containing tryptophan, an essential amino acid, are great to stock up on when you need to calm down or unwind. The nutrient helps to raise serotonin levels which can elevate your mood, and melatonin, which can help induce sleep. Good tryptophan-rich foods include nuts, cheese, turkey, chicken and soybeans. 2. Get active If you are feeling stressed out, one of the best things you can do is go for a run or hit the gym. Although you may feel more inclined to veg out in front of the TV to relax, exercise is great for releasing mood-boosting chemicals such as endorphins and anandamine, which can help to lower anxiety and increase mental wellbeing. As well as having a great effect on your mood and stress levels, exercise is also good for taking your mind off problems and helping to induce sleep. 3. Practise deep breathing If you are short on time, one of the quickest ways to relax is to take a few deep breaths. Anxiety can cause people to breathe more rapidly than normal and taking deep, slow breaths can be an effective aid to relaxation. If you are frequently feeling anxious or stressed, it can be helpful to implement deep breathing in to your regular routine by practising breathing exercises regularly or joining a yoga, Pilates or meditation class; all of which use deep breathing to promote relaxation and wellbeing. 4. Listen to music Many of us are aware that listening to our favourite music puts us in a good mood, and studies have now found that music is also good for reducing stress. Various studies have indicated a strong link between music and lowered stress levels in everyday life, while research has also indicated that music can lower extreme levels of stress in people undergoing surgery, critically ill patients and pregnant women. Rather than seeking out "relaxing" genres of music, it is best to go with your individual taste and choose whatever type of music boosts your mood. 5. Stock up on chocolate Good news for many is that chocolate - one of the world's most popular comfort foods - is also a great calming food. Chocolate is high in magnesium - which can help relaxation - and also contains anandamine, a neurotransmitter which can help you to experience a feeling of peace. With high levels of phenylethylamine, chocolate also raises endorphin levels, so all the more reason to unwind with your favourite chocolate treat. 6. Have a hug Having a hug is a renowned mood booster, and research findings published in Psychomatic Medicine have reinforced what we knew all along - that having a good old cuddle is great for reducing stress. Having physical contact has been found to raise levels of oxytocin - the "love hormone" - and lower levels of stress hormone cortisol, putting us in a more relaxed frame of mind. Human affection is not the only type that counts, however, as owning a pet has also been linked to lowered stress levels, meaning that playing with your pet could be a great way to wind down after work. 7. Pamper yourself One of the best - and most luxurious - ways to unwind is to treat yourself to a spot of pampering. If your budget extends to it, you could have somebody else pamper you by heading to a health spa or beauty salon for a massage, facial or beauty treatment of your choice. Alternatively, you could indulge in a bit of DIY pampering by running yourself a bath, lighting some candles and lying back with a relaxing facemask and some calming music. 8. Have a laugh Laughter is well-known for its therapeutic effects, and many places now offer laughter therapy or laughter yoga classes to those seeking to boost their health and mood. Studies have in fact found that even the anticipation of laughter can help us to relax by lifting our spirits and reducing stress levels in the body. If you are serious about your relaxation, book an evening out at a comedy show. Alternatively, chill out with a funny DVD, book or friend – an equally great option to help you relax. 9. Try aromatherapy To really make the most of your senses, turn your home into a relaxing sanctuary with a scented candle or some relaxing essential oils. Some good essential oils for relaxation include camomile, lavender, neroli, bergamot and ylang ylang. Use these oils to aid relaxation by adding a couple of drops to a bath, burning in an oil burner, or adding (sparingly) to water to use as a room spray or skin spritzer. 10. Get in the moment There are various things you can do to help you relax. However, if you are not fully present in the moment, it is unlikely you will fully benefit from any relaxation technique. If you find it difficult to switch off from your stresses and cast off past regrets or future worries, try making a list of anything that needs to be done or thought about at a later date, set a time and date to deal with each item, then switch off your mind, cast your cares aside, and focus for now on simply enjoying the moment.
