Talk more, it's as easy as that. As a prolific reader of research, books, articles, flyers and everything else that I can find in my quest to identify ways of reducing negative pressure (stress), by far the most talked about method (pun intended) of reducing cortisol levels (an indicator of stress) is to talk more.
A recent study right here in New Zealand confirmed that the more we talk with other people the more relaxed we are. The caveat obviously is that you have to talk with someone you enjoy talking with otherwise the reverse will occur!
I could endlessly espouse the many benefits of talking, take it from me that it is THE best thing that you can do to help your well-being. If you don't believe me, try going for a day or two without talking with anyone - isolation can cause extreme stress that's why it is used as punishment for those who are incarcerated and in torture. Convinced yet?
How does talking reduce your stress levels;
- It helps rationalise your thoughts as you verbalise them.
- Worrying silently about your problems will only exaggerate them.
- Having someone independent can bring a new perspective to the table.
- If you're talking to someone who is neutral, they are less likely to be biased.
- Talking relieves pressure - a problem shared is a problem halved.
Talking was all that we had when we wanted to communicate with others, for thousands of years it was like this. It is only in the last 30 years or so that we don't have to communicate face-to-face. And because of that we no longer know how to listen, how to read visual cues, how to express ourselves as we once did.
Bottom line, talking is part of socialisation, a human need. So what are you waiting for? Let's talk.