Effective way to De-stress and Feel Calmer
Here’s an easy way to de-stress and feel calmer: Mow the lawn!
That comes from researchers at the University of Queensland School of Biomedical Science. They found that the compounds released by freshly-cut grass soothe our brain’s anxiety center, and can help us feel calmer and more relaxed in as little as 2 minutes.
It’s down to an organic chemical found in freshly-cut grass that affects the amygdala and hippocampus – the emotional parts of the brain – cutting production of the stress hormone cortisol, and releasing feel-good serotonin. In fact, some research suggests the compounds are as effective at warding off depression as taking Prozac!
If you don’t have a lawn to mow, the experts say you can just simply crush a few blades of grass between your fingers, and take a good whiff. Again, the compounds released by freshly-cut grass soothe will help us feel calmer and more relaxed in as little as 2 minutes.
