Many doctors are now trained in techniques to lessen tension and stress. Here health pro

fessionals reveal their favorite methods.

Comfort with food. When diet expert Judith Wurtman is stressed out, she does what a lot of people do this time of year: she reaches for food .But in her case, it’s a healthy rice cake or two. “My research suggests that carbohydrates (碳水化合物) raise levels of a brain chemical, which has a calming effect on the entire body,” says the MIT research scientist. “So signs of stress — such as anger, tension, and inability to focus — are eased.”

Run from your problems. Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, who popularized aerobics (有氧运动) through his1968 book by that name, handles his own stress with a daily after-work run. He knows that physical activity reduces anxiety and depression. “Aerobic exercise is the best way to dissipate stress,”says Cooper.

Look to the light side. On his way to the hospital where his father was to have surgery Joel Goodman shared a hotel bus with anxious relatives of several patients. The driver began telling his stressed-out passengers a few jokes. “Then he did some magic tricks that had my mother and me laughing.” Goodman says. “In that five-minute ride he taught us that humor can lessen our stress.”

The surgery was successful, and Goodman was so moved by his experience that he researched laughter’s power. “A good laugh relaxes muscles, reduces blood pressure, restrains stress-related hormones and enhances the immune system (免疫系统),” he says.

Go green. Coffee, loaded with hidden sources of caffeine, stimulates (刺激) the nervous system and can make you feel stressed more easily. That’s why Arizona Doctor Andrew Weil, author of best seller Spontaneous Healing, does not take caffeine. “When I want gentle energy, I drink green tea. It contains a caffeine-like element”, Weil says. It also contains compounds that, some studies suggest, have anti-cancer effects.

16. The following are ways to free you from stress EXCEPT__________.

A. looking at things in a more relaxed way

B. getting a lot of sleep during the day

C. eating some food with carbohydrates

D. doing some aerobic exercise

17. Eating or drinking the following can be helpful in freeing you from stress EXCEPT________.

A. drink green tea B. eat some bread

C. eat some rice cake D. drink a lot of coffee

18. A good laugh is very helpful EXCEPT to__________.

A. reduce blood pressure B. restrain stress-related hormones

C. enhance the immune system D. take a holiday

19. What is the meaning of the word “dissipate” in the part “Rum from your problems”？