Taking A Bath(01 of14)
Open Image ModalAhhh. Why does taking a warm bath instantly destress us? "[It] calms our physiology [and] relaxes the vessels," explains Dr. Ackrill of the American Institute of Stress and WellSpark, a leadership development firm. (credit:Alamy)
Praying(02 of14)
Open Image ModalPraying can lead people to feel a connection with their spiritual health, writes Dr. Cynthia Ackrill. (credit:Alamy)
Eating Chocolate(03 of14)
Open Image Modal"I have a love affair with chocolate, but unfortunately, sugar is not a help in stress," Dr. Ackrill shares with Huff/Post50. "We crave it -- we want dopamine and serotonin to feel better -- but it is not a help at all in the long run. Sugar actually is inflammatory (a version of a stressor)." (credit:Alamy)
Getting A Hug(04 of14)
Open Image ModalDon't underestimate the power of human connection as a form of instant stress reduction. "We need more touch, [which is] sometimes a challenge as we age," Dr. Ackrill writes. "Massage even releases anti-stress chemicals." (credit:WikiMedia:)
Knitting (05 of14)
Open Image ModalThe rhythmic movement and creative energy expelled during a knitting session can instantly reduce stress. (credit:WikiMedia:)
Listening To Audiobooks(06 of14)
Open Image ModalWhen you listen to an audiobook to destress, you're "usually [shifting] focus," Dr. Ackrill allows. "But if the stressor is still looming, this may only be procrastination. If it sparks creative thinking to deal with a stressor -- to expand thought patterns -- it may be helpful." (credit:Alamy)
Walking The Dog(07 of14)
Open Image ModalWhen you walk the dog you're hitting three stress reducers in one activity: exercise, and being around animals and nature, according to Dr. Ackrill. (credit:Alamy)
Drinking Water(08 of14)
Open Image ModalWhen we are stressed out, we tend to get dehydrated, Dr. Ackrill explained. Drinking water can be soothing and a way to help our bodys handle all the reactions that happen when we're stressed. (credit:Alamy)
Listening To Music: Dave Matthews Band(09 of14)
Open Image ModalEating Strawberry Ice Cream(10 of14)
Open Image ModalAs with chocolate, this instant destressor can actually cause more harm than good in the long run. While we love that rush of feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin, sugar causes inflammation, a type of internal stress. (credit:Alamy)
Deep Breathing(11 of14)
Open Image ModalA number of Facebook fans said deep breathing instantly reduces their stress, and for good reason. "This is one of the oldest and cheapest forms of stress management known to mankind!" writes Dr. Ackrill. "Mindful breathing resets brain patterns, increases heart rate coherence, lowers blood pressure and many more effects."Yoga and meditation also made it on the list. (credit:Alamy)
'Seeing My Grandkid's Smiles'(12 of14)
Open Image ModalExperiencing the love of our families creates a connection that releases inflammation-fighting DHEA and other chemicals, explains Dr. Ackrill. (credit:Alamy)
Crying(13 of14)
Open Image ModalCrying can release tension, but is not a proven stress reducer, Dr. Ackrill told Huff/Post50. (credit:Alamy)
Dancing(14 of14)
Open Image ModalDr. Ackrill calls dancing an "excellent" way to instantly reduce stress. "Movement releases stress reducing chemicals as well as chemicals that support brain growth. Exercise rivals antidepressants." (credit:Alamy)