Going Through A Rough Patch? Tips For Getting Through The Stress

According to Cambridge Universities Online, a rough patch means going through a difficult, sticky, rough, and bad time.  If you are going through something like this, you are likely feeling stressed. Follow the tips below, and you can walk through your rough patch to the other side where you will feel much better.

Massage

During hard times, it is common to feel stress. A massage can help with this stress, and it can feel like your troubles are melting away as you are on the massage table. 

One of the most common types of massages is the Swedish massage. This massage is great for relaxing, relieving stress, and releasing tense and cramped muscles. Regular Swedish massages can reduce levels of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone, in your body. Massage therapists use different techniques when giving this type of massage. One of these techniques is friction. The massage therapist first rubs their palms together vigorously, and then immediately rub their palms onto your skin to create heat. This is often done to warm up your muscles before you receive a deeper massage.

Another technique is shaking or vibration, which is used to loosen up tight muscles. The therapist will use a back and forth action using either the heel of their hand or fingertips over your skin. While doing this, your muscles are shaken up to relax and loosen.

Breathe Deeply

Take a few breaks throughout the day and focus on your breathing. According to the Nutrition Research Center, deep breathing can have a big impact on your health and physiology. This includes reducing cortisol.  All it takes is a short break, and can be done no matter where you are. During this break, close your eyes and sit up straight. Place one of your hands on your abdomen. Slowly inhale through your noise until you feel the breath hit your abdominal area, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. As soon as you start to feel stressed, take a break and do this breathing exercise.

Nutrition

What you eat everyday can have an impact on how stressed you feel. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, folate deficiency is associated with stress. To get more folate in your diet, eat more foods like asparagus, lentils, pinto beans, white beans, kidney beans, and broccoli.

Eat more high-fiber foods that are rich in carbohydrates. These foods are believed to increase serotonin, which is the hormone that relaxes you. Eat more legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

If you continue to feel stressed, you should see your doctor, who can prescribe medication to you that will help you feel better.

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