The Amazing Health Benefits of Relaxation
Most of us face a daily amount of stress, whether it’s at work, at home, or other environments. Dealing with stress isn’t always easy, however in the midst of it all you need to find a way to relax as well.
Relaxing whenever possible, and in whatever way works for you (whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, taking a trip, enjoying nature, running, etc) is healthier for you than you might think. So, make sure you take time to relax as often as possible.
Have a look at the health benefits relaxation provides. You need this.
- Relaxing protects your heart
As you may already know, stress can seriously up your risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and other heart problems.
Although researchers aren’t sure exactly why, the research is unanimously in favor of relaxation for your heart’s sake. "There are studies to show that stress is comparable to other risk factors that we traditionally think of as major, like hypertension, poor diet and lack of exercise," Kathi Heffner, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the Rochester Center for Mind-Body Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, told Health.com.
- Relaxing lowers your risk of catching a cold
Sheldon Cohen, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has been at the forefront of stress research since the 1990s. Early on, he showed that chronic stress lasting more than a month but less than six months doubled a person’s risk of catching a cold.
His more recent research has tried to figure out why, and results seem to point to inflammation. As it turns out, stress hampers the body’s ability to fight inflammation, by making immune cells less sensitive to the hormone that "turns off" inflammation, according to HealthyDay.
- Relaxing boosts your memory
Research in mice showed that shorter bursts of stress impaired the centers of the brain involved in memory and learning, and left the mice struggling to remember how to find their way through a maze.
Additionally, according to a number of studies stress increases the amount of certain proteins in the brain that have been linked to Alzheimer’s, possibly accelerating the development of the disease.
- Relaxing lowers your stroke risk
A 2007 University of Cambridge study found that people who coped the best with stressful life events had a 24 percent lower risk of stroke. It may be partly due to the fact that people who handle stress well often are healthy in other ways, like exercising regularly and not smoking.
A 2011 study examined the specific effects of work-related stress, and found that among middle- and upper-class men, psychological stress caused about 10 percent of strokes.
- Relaxing keeps you safe from depression
Studies have shown that chronic stress can kill brain cells, and even prevent the creation of new ones, in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in a healthy response to stress, according to Time.com. Therefore times of relaxation are a must in order to keep you away from depression.
- Relaxing helps you make better decisions
When you’re under stress, you might not always be thinking so clearly, therefore making wrong decisions. According to a 2012 study, stress can actually change how we weigh risks and rewards, and can cloud our judgment when we are faced with important decisions.
The bottom line is that relaxation shouldn’t be just an option, it should be a must. Our brain needs to relax and recuperate. Nature is a great way to relax and feel better, in fact there are some proven health benefits when it comes to spending time in nature - so make sure to take some time off and spend it outdoors.
Come and experience the exciting, relaxing and inspiring setting of Banner Elk Winery & Villa. Enjoy the serene pleasures of tranquility and beauty, while still being minutes away from downtown Banner Elk.
The Tuscan inspired Villa features seven luxuriously appointed suites, two with fireplaces. Each suite features a king or queen sized bed adorned in luxurious linens and abundant pillows, private jacuzzi tubs and breathtaking mountain views from every window.
Awaken to the soothing songs of nature as you enjoy a cup of coffee on the scenic veranda. Stroll through the blueberry orchard and gardens or journey up the mountain to the upper vineyard for an awe inspiring view of the expansive Blue Ridge Mountains. Unwind by the pond to enjoy a glass of wine to admire the magnificent sunset.
Whatever your indulgence, you can unwind in your very own private vineyard setting, and: RELAX! ;)
Source: HUFFPOST
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