Tips for Reducing Stress Naturally
6 Easy steps to relax and recharge daily
We all deal with stress, whether we like to admit it or not. Stress can have extremely damaging effects on the body and mind, while also affecting those around you. But don't stress (ha!), here are some six simple ways to practice slowing it down a notch while still kicking butt in your day-to-day routine.
1. Spend Time Outside
Step outside, and take a deep breath. Drive to a local park and take in your surroundings, admiring the beauty around you. The natural beauty of the outdoors is an easy way to relieve stress, and has been a natural way of doing so since the birth of humans. Killing it in the 9-5? Even quick walk around the block or a 10 minute stretch break outside the office each day will help to reduce stress and anxiety, and can offer an instant mood lift.
2. Keep a Journal
Keeping a journal is a great way to sort out thoughts and identify what may be the catalyst to what is bugging you. Taking time to write down thoughts of gratitude for a few minutes at the end of each day will also bring you back to Earth, and is a great reminder of life's blessings. In the morning or upcoming to the week, you can also try writing down all upcoming appointments, tasks and deadlines. Doing so will help for you to feel more organized and take the day on head-first.
3. Apply Essential Oils
Essential oils, such as lavender, rose and chamomile, are amazing at providing stress and anxiety relief. Their healing properties balance and restore the body and can help you to get a good night of sleep. Essential oils can be used by adding a few drops to the bathtub or glass of water for you to inhale deeply, or be simply be applied to pressure points such as the wrists and temples. Keep a bottle in your purse or on your desk for pre-meeting anxiety – who knows, your boss may get a whiff and relax a bit too.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep each night is so important for your body’s energy and health. In addition to stress, not getting enough sleep leads to fatigue and memory loss. Since stress is often the cause of sleep-deprivation and insomnia, taking the vitamin melatonin before bed can help you get to sleep for the full night so you wake up feeling relaxed and recharged.
5. Avoid Over-Consumption of Alcohol or Caffeine
Caffeine acts as a stimulant in the body and increases adrenaline. Too much of this can leave you feeling more stressed than before, with high anxiety levels and dehydration. Alcohol acts similar in this way by causing dehydration, sleep deprivation and increased stress levels. Avoiding too much of either of these will help you to get enough sleep and feel refreshed and re-charged.
6. Eat Real Foods
Poor diet is often a huge factor in stress. Processed foods, sugars, chemicals and excess carbohydrates induce a large amount of stress on the body by causing increased levels of insulin. Choosing to eat fresh, real food instead of packaged and processed food is an important step. (Bonus: Check out real foods from Real Food Lab here!)