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5 Easy Stress-Busters You Had No Idea Existed

When you don't have time to get a professional massage and feel too overwhelmed to figure out the difference between Ashtanga and Kundalini yoga, try one of these surprising quick fixes.
Woman inserting stick of gum into mouth
Photo: Thinkstock
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The De-Frazzler You Already Have in Your Purse
That pack of gum you carry around in case of a yellowtail-and-scallion emergency can freshen your mood as well as your breath. Researchers from Australia and England found that when agitated people chewed gum, they felt less anxious, more alert and had 18 percent less cortisol (the stress hormone) in their saliva. The study authors hypothesize that chewing increases blood flow to the brain, which helps with alertness and may also distract us from irritants.
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Published 05/07/2013
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
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