Stress is a part of life. It’s not always negative stress, but it is something that practically everyone deals with. Even kids. But we’ll get to that in another post. Today I want to talk about 5 ways to naturally manage your stress. In our quest to a healthier and more natural life style, I’ve also started to explore other options for holistic health. I want to try and use less medications and get back to a more natural way of living. Some of these changes are diet related and others are based on the products that we use.
But I digress.
Let’s get to those natural stress management tips!
There are numerous ways to manage your stress of course, but these natural stress management techniques are things that you can start doing today.
5 Ways to Naturally Manage Your Stress
1. Meditate
Meditation may help reduce stress, and it does not involve any medication. One of the nice things about meditation is the “me time” you get while practicing it. The meditation itself helps focus the mind and relax the body. There are various types of meditation and you could do this for ten minutes a day to start.
One helpful form of meditation for chronic stress sufferers is “mindful meditation.” In this sort of meditation, you learn how to live in the present and focus on the now. This may help with chronic stressors that are long term, and that may seem overwhelming.
2. Stretching
Stretching is said to ease the tension out of the body. Combining stretching with meditation, as in Qigong and Yoga, can be especially beneficial, as both mind and body are targeted. Stretching helps relax tight muscles and realign the joints. You might consider Yoga or a martial arts class – being with other people and getting out may help relieve your stress, too. A soft martial art, such as Tai Chi, might also help with this aspect.
3. Exercise
Stress is said to result in toxin build-up in your body, perhaps because of how it affects circulation and digestion. Exercise gets you blood moving, which aids toxin elimination. Exercise also strengthens muscles and moves the joints. All of this can help “work out” your stress, and minimize stress-related weight gain.
4. Herbal teas
Herbal teas are generally inexpensive and widely available. You can sip them throughout the day, at key points during the day, and before going to bed. Chamomile tea can be helpful, as can lemon balm or catnip tea. If you like, look for a tea made from a blend of relaxing herbs in your local grocery or health food store.
5. Eat well
Good nutrition is essential for dealing with stress. Vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D are especially important in helping the body handle stress. Studies show that Vitamin C helps boost the immune system, and magnesium is important in muscle relaxation and nerve function. Calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D are vital for bone health and muscle function.
Consider taking a good-quality vitamin supplement, but also eat as many vitamin-rich foods as possible. Emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
It is definitely possible and doable to manage your stress without medication. And these five tips will help you get started in no time at all.
It’s also important to keep in mind that if you do need to take medication, that’s okay. Do what you need to do to reach your optimal mental health levels.
Kori
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Very good tips! I use Shaklee’s Stress Relief Complex and it is awesome! Thanks for linking up to Tips & Tricks – hope to see you again this week!!