Worldly Stress

We all get stressed. Everyone does, it is just a factor of life. But what is amazing is there are so many ways to deal with it. I like to see how other cultures deal with stress. So the Stress Less team decided we would write an article on a different culture’s way of dealing with stress. We decided to call it the "Worldly Stress" series. This week we start of with Russia.

Imagine, just humor me. Ok so. Imagine you are staying in Russia. You went there for a vacation, but it is turning out to a stress-cation. Your shoulders are so tight, and you are no longer energetic. You decided it's time to actually to relax! But how? Well, if you asked any of the Russians staying around you, they’d simply say take a hot shower. A shower? Yup a shower! Such a simple solution! Researchfrom Yale University says that being in the warm area of a shower will do wonderful things. The warm area will trigger your brain, and body to boost your mood. It seems a little too simple right? This method is widely accepted in Russia. Though instead of showers, Russians go to Banyas. Which are hot steam saunas, or baths. It is very common for friends to go to the Banya. It is said to bring people closer and communicate on a common level. Who knew simple steam can do so much? Isn’t it amazing how there are different ways of solving the same problem? Tune in next week for Denmark’s ideas!

Sources:

Master Russian. (n.d.). Russian Banya (Sauna) - Russian Culture. Retrieved from http://masterrussian.com/russianculture/banya.htm

Health.com. (n.d.). Stress Relief Tips From Around the World - Health.com. Retrieved from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20645790,00.html