There is a strong correlation between the ability to manage stress and tinnitus relief.  People who develop tinnitus (phantom noises in the ear) as result of stress tend to find themselves in a strange predicament.  On the one hand, stress in their lives triggers the symptoms of tinnitus.  On the other hand, their ability to relax and sleep is impaired due to the tinnitus, which only makes the symptoms worse.  What is the solution?

Stress is a heightened level of awareness in a person to help protect him from hazardous situations.  This “fight or flight” response is inherent in every human being.  For example, if a battle was taking place, this system would kick in, and the person’s body would be geared to run for his life or fight to the death.  However, this stress mechanism was only meant to give a person a temporary boost in energy.  Too much stress can wear out a person’s body and weaken his immune system.

When there is too much stress on a person over a prolonged period of time, a person tends to feel anxiety, tired and depressed.   Many people do things to manage their stress in ways that harm the body, such as using medications, smoking or drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.  If a person is already suffering from tinnitus as a result of stress, the symptoms will only get worse as a result.

There are many things a person can do to relax, and thus eliminate stress as well as the need for foreign substances.  First of all, each person should take time to walk, lift weights or engage in some form of physical activity for at least 15 minutes each day.  This will increase blood flow and help him sleep at night.

In addition to physical activity, other methods of relieving stress include listening to music, reading and talking to friends.  Hobbies such as craft projects can be very rewarding and relaxing, too.

Finally, avoiding fried foods and eating fruits and vegetables each day can help a person feel better, sleep better and feel happier.