Stress also commonly known as the “FIGHT-or-FLIGHT” response where our body releases Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH) into our bloodstream. Over the long term, stress can lead to diminished health or illness; to avoid this, we can prepare the following daily-5-destress program to reduce our stress levels.

Daily-1: Exercise!

Get rid of those ACTH and other toxins out from your body by having a daily routine of exercise. In order to make it a daily routine, take up any of your favorite sport or exercise activity that you really enjoy. Exercise also increases your overall health and your sense of well-being. Besides clearing out your toxins from your body, it actually pumps up your endorphin levels. Physical activity enables your brain to release endorphins, also some times called as “feel-good neurotransmitters”.

You’ll often find that you’ll forgot the day’s dilemmas and irritations, and concentrate only on your body’s movements. As you begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that this focus on a single task, and the resulting increased energy and optimism, can help you remain calm and clear in everything that you do.

Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. This can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.

Daily-2: Drink Water!

Your body is 80-90% water, and drinking lots of water will help keep you in good health. It will help to keep your immune system healthy and to reduce your stress. Avoid coffee and alcohol during the day as these will actually increase your stress levels by activating the fight or flight mechanism and releasing ACTH into your system.

Daily-3: Listen to Relaxation Music!

Music has a very relaxing effect on your body. If you listen to music that you consider relaxing, it will help to reduce your stress. New age, classical, and nature sounds are common types of music used for relaxation. Some people even prefer louder and more active music to relax to. But it is not recommended, as relaxation should be associated with slower and softer music to slow down the body’s response to the music being played. Similar to coffee & alcohol, loud music might stimulate you which you will want to avoid.

Daily-4: Take A Nap!

Have a power nap! Studies show that 20 minutes of sleep in the afternoon provides more rest than 20 minutes more sleep in the morning. Taking some regular naps can really help you feel better and reduce your stress. Often when you are stressed you get tired in the afternoon and do not sleep well at night. If you are unable to take a nap due to work, then a brisk walk at lunch will help to reduce your stress.

Daily-5: Take it Easy!

Is everything seemingly urgent to you? But really, how urgent is it? Ask yourself if you really have to do it now? Prioritize your work or things you need to do. Focus and don’t be distracted from the thing you are doing. Stay cool and calm, and last but not least, take it easy!

These are five very simple guides that you can use on a daily basis to reduce your stress. Start using these now and notice how much more relaxed you are.