Are you feeling burnt-out, tense and frazzled? Is work causing major stress? Experts have said time and again that stress is bad for the health. In fact, its effects are just as bad as second-hand smoking, according to CNN.
To manage stress, everyone can take a few points from the relaxation experts... cats! Below are five techniques to adapt from these feline creatures whenever you're feeling stressed out.
1. Take catnaps. Cats sleep at least 15 hours a day, according to Pet MD. While humans don't have that luxury, taking sleep breaks will do wonders for your body. Napping reboots and recharges the body, thus helping you stay alert and relaxed for the next busy hours of your day. It also improves your mood and performance too, allowing your brain and body to react quicker and make less mistakes, according to Mayo Clinic.
2. Do physical activities the way cats enjoy it. It can be as active as running or walking, but it can be as as meditative as yoga and stretching. Cats understand that these activities can help relieve tension and restore their energy, and it works the same for humans too.
3. Take time for yourself. Cats love their alone time. They hide out and do their own thing. Indulging in yourself has physical and mental benefits. Check out this infographic below for what the experts say about "me" times.
4. Get your vitamin D! Ever wonder why cats love napping under the sun's shades indoors? It helps them stay warm and boosts their metabolism, according to Way of Cats. While the sun is a rich source of vitamin D, you don't have to lie down under the sun's rays the way cats do. You can get vitamin D from food. Your metabolism, which provides energy, is affected by vitamin D, according to a study, so take supplements for it.
5. Purr if you must. Cats express their happiness and contentment with a purr and in humans, this can equate to laughing or taking pleasure. Relieve the tension in your body and mind by finding ways to laugh or take pleasure in the small things, such as a good massage, a tickle, or perhaps even sex.
