Here are some ways to add relaxation to your day:

- Sniff an orange. When you’re stressed, your sense of smell gets sharper because your body is in survival mode. Put those superhuman powers to use by sniffing some citrus essential oil. In a recent Brazilian study, participants who endured a stressful test felt much less anxious when they sniffed orange essential oil for five minutes prior to the exam.

- Snack well. Blueberries are loaded with vitamin C, which helps lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and chamomile is a known anxiety-soother.

- Make faces. When you feel tense, looking ridiculous can help. Scrunch up your whole face for 15 seconds, release and then repeat, to help zap any strain you’re holding above the neck.

- Go for a midday vacation. A quick walk around the block or a five-minute meditation can recharge your day.

- Change a bulb. A simple swap can help you mellow, according to research. High-wattage light can raise stress levels, make you hungry, and even make you eat faster. Switch normal white light bulbs for blue-enriched light, which decreases fatigue, ups your mood, and improves sleep.

By MCT News Service