Learn how to relax

Take it easy

We have lot of work overload at office as well as home to give us stress.

Stress is everywhere—and though you may not be able to control what causes it, you do have power over how you react to it. And keeping your cool is a key to safeguarding your heart.

Stress sets off a surge of hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, in your body. Elevated levels of these hormones can harm your heart because they raise your blood pressure and cause inflammation. So it's important to develop ways to cope when life becomes tense.

Take a deep breath

Pausing before you react in a stressful or upsetting situation gives you time to clear your head, and breathing more slowly lowers levels of fight-or-flight hormones. Count to 10 and take three deep breaths before responding.

Smile!

New research shows that "grin and bear it" works. One study found that people who smiled as they did difficult tasks (such as drawing with their nondominant hand) had lower heart rates than people who kept a neutral expression.

Hold your chin up

It sounds so simple, but when your head is lifted and your shoulders are down, your chest expands and you naturally take in more oxygen, which helps calm your body's physical and emotional response to stress.

Help a neighbour

Doing a good deed—no matter how small—is a powerful destressor because it takes your mind off your problems and helps put them into perspective. In fact, states with high volunteer rates have lower levels of heart disease. Little actions like putting a rupee in a donation box, carrying a neighbour’s groceries or buying coffee for the person in line behind you absolutely count.

Reach out to a friend

Your body releases oxytocin (a calming hormone) when you get in touch with a favorite friend or family member who makes you feel good. And connecting with a loved one through Facebook or email can have the same soothing effect as if you're speaking face-to-face. In fact, if you're upset, writing down why helps diffuse tension as you work through your feelings and start to gain more control over the situation.

Meditate

• Rub your hands together very fast for 20 to 30 seconds until you feel some friction.

• Pull your hands apart, and keep them there as if you're holding an invisible globe. Focus on the energy sensation that's built up between your hands.

• Slowly move that imaginary globe over your heart and imagine positive energy flowing into your body.