People Stress Cope Americans One's Body Quiet Eslpod 0319 Cn

Many Americans have high-stress jobs, but they have many ways to cope with that stress. Some people simply eat or sleep, but these may not be the best "coping mechanisms" (ways to respond to something, like stress), because they can be unhealthy. Some other coping mechanisms include "exercise," "yoga," and "meditation."

Many people believe that "exercising" (moving one's body quickly) is a good way to reduce stress. These people often go the gym after work, participate on sport teams, or go "jogging" (running slowly and for a long distance). Doctors believe that the brain releases chemicals during exercise that help to "counter" (work against) the negative effects of stress.

Other people prefer to cope with stress by doing "yoga". "Yoga" is a "Hindu" (Indian) practice that teaches people to control their mind and body through slow, thoughtful movements. In most cities, there are many yoga classes where instructors teach participants to relax their bodies and minds, reducing stress in their lives.

Finally, some Americans cope with stress through "meditation," or quiet periods of time when they try to "empty their minds" and stop thinking about the things that are stressful in their life. To meditate, people go to a quiet place to avoid "distractions" (things that make one think about other things), often sitting "cross-legged" (sitting on the floor with one's legs folded and crossed in front of oneself) and with their hands on their "thighs" (upper legs). Some people meditate while listening to relaxing music or nature sounds, like "bird calls" (the sounds that birds make) or ocean waves.