Some breathing techniques help to reduce stress. In particular some researches suggest that: focusing on longer exhaling because it reduces heart rate and blood pressure. A typical cycle is breathing in through the nose for 4 seconds and exhaling for 8 seconds. using the diaphragm properly because it reduces heart rate and blood pressure and stimulates the vagus nerve that activates the relaxation response. To practice diaphragmatic breathing: Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly.

In the book The Telomere Effect is reported that the following strategies help to respond to stress: Self-Compassion Mindfulness Cognitive defusion Psychological distance Doing physical exercise Showing gratitude for what we have Do not avoid stressful situation, but accepting it and learn how to manage it. Focusing on breathing and in particular on longer exhaling because it reduces heart rate, blood pressure and promotes stress reduction. Related Questions: Related Topics: Health References The Telomere Effect | 2020 | Elizabeth Blackburn, Elissa Epel

Psychological distance is the ability to make a distance between an event or a situation and our thoughts. It is possible to make distance to an event to different levels: Linguistic level: using the third person in our internal dialogue for example asking ourselves What is making Paolo nervous? instead of This event is making me nervous. Temporal level: for example asking ourselves What is the impact of this event in 10 years?

Mediterranean diet is considered one of the most varied and healthy diet. There is little uniformity about the serving size, however moderation is a good principle to follow. Related Questions: Related Topics: Health References Mediterranean diet and health status: an updated meta-analysis and a proposal for a literature-based adherence score | 2014 | Francesco Sofi, Claudio Macchi, Rosanna Abbate, Gian Franco Gensini and Alessandro Casini Mediterranean diet pyramid today. Science and cultural updates | 2011 | Anna Bach-Faig, Elliot M Berry, Denis Lairon, Joan Reguant, Antonia Trichopoulou, Sandro Dernini, F Xavier Medina, Maurizio Battino, Rekia Belahsen, Gemma Miranda and Lluís Serra-Majem

Antioxidants foods like: fresh fruits vegetables vegetable oils nuts seeds have the power to reduce oxidative stress, however they also may have negative effects if consumed in large quantities and without being part of a varied diet. Related Questions: Which is a varied diet Related Topics: Oxidative stress References Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health | 2017 | G Pizzino, N Irrera, M Cucinotta, G Pallio, F Mannino, V Arcoraci, F Squadrito, D Altavilla, A Bitto

Definition Oxidative stress is a phenomenon caused when there are too much reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body that our body can not manage properly. Mechanisms ROS have some necessary roles like cells signaling, however when they are too much, they can lead to cells damage. Oxidative stress is responsible of several diseases (i.e., cancer, diabetes, metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases). Oxidative stress is typically seen as harmful for our body, however can be useful to treat diseases like cancer.