New Jersey is the 3rd most stressed state in the country. From long commutes in traffic to the high cost of living, we have a lot on our minds.
While you may be too busy to de-stress, it’s important to take a moment for some self-care. Too much stress can wear on your health, increasing blood pressure, anxiety and joint pain. And it can even negatively affect your smile.
Relax! Here are 5 ways to help in 5 minutes or less:
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Chew a piece of gum.
Chewing gum alleviates tension caused by stress and lets go of excess energy through muscle contraction, creating a calming effect.
Pro tip: Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol.
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Listen to your favorite song.
Music is scientifically proven to make you happier, so crank up your favorite tune! Need some song ideas? Try this list from some of our favorite New Jersey artists.
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Soak up some sun.
As little as 5 minutes of sunlight increases serotonin, which balances your mood and can make you happier.
Bonus: Vitamin D from sunlight promotes bone and tooth health.
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Get some quick exercise.
You don’t have to spend a full hour at the gym to blow off steam. A quick burst of exercise can help relieve some short-term stress. Try a quick set of push-ups or run up a flight of stairs.
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Fake it until you make it.
Don’t feel happy? Try smiling anyway! Smiling, even with a fake smile, has been shown to elevate mood and make people calmer.
Don’t you feel better now?