Don’t worry, be happy
The world would be a happier place if we all smiled a little more; it would also be more relaxed too. That’s because according to research, smiling lowers your heart rate and therefore reduces feelings of stress. This even holds true for fake smiling.
So next time you find yourself stuck in traffic, try to grin and bear it. Smiling at the sea of brake lights might not make the gridlock vanish, but it may help your stress disappear.
The skill of doing nothing at all
Meditation is arguably the definitive form of stress management. Drowning out your thoughts, distractions - basically the entire world - can reduce your levels of cortisol – your body’s stress hormone.
But that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Studies show meditation improves concentration, increases happiness and may even slow down the very process of aging. And the good thing is, meditation can be practiced anytime, anywhere. There are great apps available to help you get started. So hit the app store and get your Zen on.