Stress. Who is exempted from it? A lot of demands, a lot of issues in our environment, not to mention social media squabbles and the pressure from work, personal relationships or school---all these contribute to the high levels of stress we feel every day. Since we cannot seem to escape it, the question is: how to reduce stress?

How to Reduce Stress: 5 Easy Tips 

Watch what you eat

You may not know this but what you eat can affect your mood. Studies show that there are certain foods like fruits and vegetables as well as chocolates that can help boost your mood.

The theobromine and phenylethylamine found in chocolates for example stimulates the production of endorphins in your brains. Endorphins are also called happy hormones because they create the feeling of pleasure.

So, if you want to “eat your feelings”, do it in a way that can truly help improve how you are feeling. Instead of eating food that can increase your stress level or make you more sick like food high in cholesterol, choose food that can help improve your mood and reduce stress.

Get moving!

Exercise can also help you deal with stress. Not only does exercising make you fit and healthy---which makes you happier with the way you look---it is also good for your mental health.

Your brains function better when you exercise. That means you have sharper memory, you sleep better at night and you get more energy to get you through the day. These are things you need when you’re under stress.

Getting physically fit also gives you a good sense of well-being because being physically active helps release your endorphins.

If you have high level of endorphins in your body, your stress level is undoubtedly lower.

The two cannot be of the same amount at the same time.

Find a physical activity that suits your personality and lifestyle better. Some people prefer to do yoga, swim, run or take a walk.