Zap Stress and Grow Younger with a Sniff of This

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Zap Stress and Grow Younger with a Sniff of

ThisFeeling overwhelmed? A quick liaison with

lavender may help keep things under control.

Seems a scant 5 minutes of exposure to mild lavender aromas helps curb

the release of cortisol -- a key stress hormone that can prematurely age

you by triggering inflammation.

Bonus Scents

In a recent study of Japanese co-eds, sniffing lavender not only

lowered cortisol levels but also may have enhanced antioxidant activity

in their bodies -- a double blow to the aging process.

6 More Ways to Relax and Live Longer

Every little bit of stress busting helps your health. So in addition

to lavender baths and aromatherapy kits, help kiss your stress goodbye

with these tips:

 

 

Practice this do-it-yourself muscle relaxer. Think it away.

 

This in-the-moment technique will do it. Set your iPod to your " slow tunes " playlist.

Here's what it will do

to your breathing and heart rate.

 

Try these calm-you-down-quick foods. Set aside some time to get your worrying done.

Here's why. RealAge Benefit: Managing chronic disease can diminish its

effect on your RealAge.

References Published on 04/08/2008.

Smelling lavender

and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases

cortisol level in saliva. Atsumi, T., Tonosaki, K., Psychiatry

Research 2007 Feb 28;150(1):89-96.

 

 

http://www.realage.com/ct/tips/5491