IN THOSE MOMENTS WHENyou’re trying to cut the
entire security line to make a flight or someone
you love says you “need to talk”, you can feel some
intense symptoms: heart palpitations, headaches,
cramps. It’s annoying, but it’s normal. Sometimes,
stress becomes a terrifying, full-body experience
–that’sapanicattack.Inarecent Cosmo survey,
38 per cent of you said you’ve experienced one.
“Panic is characterised by a sudden surge in
anxietyanddread,”sayspsychologist Tamar
Chansky, author ofFreeing Yourself From Anxiety.
“It feels uncontrollable.” Thankfully, it isn’t.IS IT A PANIC
7
It triggers the release of calming
hormones and reduces blood
pressure, say numerous studies.
Solo sex helps, but intercourse
has the biggest benefits. There’s
always time for a quickie, right?!Feel
calmer
every
dayStroll somewhere that
sparks ideas. “Sometimes,
Igoto[thesupermarket]
and wander the aisles,”
says Chloe Coscarelli,
executive chef and
co-founder of By Chloe
restaurants. “I see new
things and get inspired
without an agenda.”Wander
aimlessly
6
Have sex!LYING UNDER A WEIGHTED VEST OR BLANKET
CAN CALM THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, STUDIES
SHOW, IN AS LITTLE AS FIVE MINUTES.13 PUT ON SOME WEIGHT11 Stretch it out
For better sleep, do this
before bed, says Dr Nadya
Swedan, a physiatrist. Stand
with back and arms against
a wall, upper arms parallel
with floor, and elbows bent
90 degrees (like a goalpost).
Hold 10 to 30 seconds,
breathing deeply.12 Rally your girl
squad
Seeking support from other
women releases happiness
hormones and keeps the
stress ones in check, say
psychology researchers.89Take f ive to
meditate!
“I downloaded Simply
Being ($2.99, App Store;
$2.79, Google Play), and I
do it for five minutes a day,”
says Dr Melina Jampolis,
author of The Doctor on
Demand Diet. “I like that
it’s not too touchy-feely.”Get a rubdown
“Massages are my favourite
when I’m stressed!” says
YouTube star Cassey Ho,
creator of Blogilates. You
can DIY with hook-like
massage tool Thera Cane
($39.95, theracane.com.au).Focus on your
values
Thinking about the pros
on your personal pro/con
list has been proven to
lower stress and increase
positivity. But don’t focus
on “conditional values”,
like status or looks, advises
Geofrey L Cohen, professor
of psychology at Stanford
University in the US. List
what your core values are
(compassion, faith, etc), why
they matter and a time you
exhibited each. When you
feel freaked, reflect on one.66 COSMOPOLITAN.com.au TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 136 116