Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals

 
100 
January 1, 2020 
88.
 
Stress 
Many pschologists recommend that the best way to relieve stress is to do nothing at 
all for a period of time during the day. 
Do you agree or disagree? 
One of the most pressing issues for first world countries is how to reduce their stress levels 
and this has led some psychologists to propose a daily period of rest. Although I think that 
daily rest would be helpful, it is more important to take an active role in stress relief. 
Proponents of a rest period suggest that taking a break has proven health benefits related 
to stress reduction. It is very common in Latin American countries and some Southeast 
Asian countries to take an afternoon ‘siesta’ or short nap before resuming work. Research 
has supported the myriad health benefits related to this stress-free period. It lowers blood 
pressure, increases serotonin in the brain, and aids memory function. Besides the statistics 
from studies that breaks reduce stress, there is also anecdotal evidence that taking a break 
energises people in both the short and long term. Plowing on without breaks, on the 
contrary, can lead to an increase in stress and has been linked to related health problems. 
Instead of taking a rest, I believe that joining a team sport will do more to relieve stress. 
Doctors and scientists agree that exercise is the best way to cut down on stress overall. In 
most parts of the world, football is the most common sport both to watch and participate 
in. Playing football reduces your stress by releasing endorphins in the brain that make 
people happier, strengthening the heart to better withstand stressful situations, and 
helping people to relax by working in a team towards a shared goal. The teamwork aspect 
cannot be underestimated, and is integral to most sports, as it does more to reduce stress 
and reset your body for a new day than any other activity. 
To conclude, although taking a rest certainly helps reduce stress, the best way to unwind is 
to play a sport. People should set aside time at least once a week to partake in team 
sporting activities. 

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