“5 Great Ways to Treat Stress Naturally” is a collaborative post and includes affiliate links. Please see the disclosure page for more information. Disclaimer – always verify medical information with your doctor or a professional and follow all laws for your location.
Murder hornets, pandemics, riots, soaring unemployment, a second wave of COVID cases, don’t forget the Australian wildfires that started in 2019, and more! 2020 has been one crazy ride, right? This is not at all what anyone was expecting for the first 6 months of this year or any year! But here we are and there are plenty of stressed people right now. And we can’t even go to church, watch sports, or drown our tears in a beer at a bar.
Stress is a natural defense mechanism of the body. As humans, we respond to danger through fight-or-flight. I’m a flight type of gal, but where could I even go right now? They’ve got the beaches closed down.
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This adrenaline-fueled response is the body’s way of protecting you. It heightens your senses, gives you energy, keeps you alert, and helps maintain focus. In emergencies and dangerous scenarios, this stress response is crucial.
However, once you move past genuine danger and potential harm, stress can become a hindrance. The mind can create problems and issues that elicit stress for things that don’t matter. Living in some of the safest times ever, we are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety in society. Political, monetary, and work stress are more common than stress over violence and crime.
Stress is natural, but chronic stress is dangerous for our mental and physical well-being. If you are frequently overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, it’s vital that you take action to regain control over your mental state.
Some of the best treatments for stress are from natural sources. If you want to learn to take action regarding this, here are five effective ways to treat stress naturally.
Photo by David Garrison from Pexels.
Reduce caffeine intake
Caffeine is a stimulant that fuels billions of people around the world. Many people cannot function without their morning cup of coffee and rely on frequent top-ups throughout the day. Although some develop a high tolerance for caffeine, others don’t react well to it. Caffeine can exacerbate anxiety, and it can make you jumpy and jittery.
If you are a heavy caffeine consumer, consider reducing your daily intake. I’m considering dropping from 5,000 cups of coffee to just three. Ok, ok. I might not be drinking that much coffee and soda but know I need to scale back some.
Reduce social media intake
I’m just going to substitute social media for caffeine from the paragraph above. It may surprise you how much it coincides!
Social media is a stimulant that fuels billions of people around the world. Many people cannot function without their morning social media check-in and rely on frequent top-ups throughout the day. Although some develop a high tolerance for social media, others don’t react well to it. Social media can exacerbate anxiety, and it can make you jumpy and jittery.
If you are a heavy social media consumer, consider reducing your daily intake.
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Get your beauty sleep
Stress and sleep-related problems can cause a vicious circle where each problem directly impacts the other. Poor sleep can trigger stress, which can cause difficulty sleeping, which can increase stress levels. This negative cycle can go on for long periods, leading to negative mental and physical health effects.
Sleep is all about routine. Prioritize getting regular quality sleep and work toward an optimal routine. You should be aiming to sleep between seven and nine hours per night.
Natural supplements
Sometimes the levels of vitamins, minerals, and hormones in the body are at an imbalance. Natural wellness supplements have become very popular for treating and managing anxiety daily. You can incorporate them as part of your diet or routine.
Companies like Kaya Organics specialize in natural hemp-based products. Consider taking supplements such as CBD oil, Omega-3, Valerian root, or natural green teas.
Exercise
Physical tasks and exercise are some of the most beneficial ways of naturally reducing stress. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins that improve your mood and reduce stress. They also contribute to better sleep, which, in turn, can reduce stress.
Rhythmic movements like running, walking, or biking, are excellent methods of enhancing cognitive function. These activities can help break negative thought cycles and release overbearing tension. Once this public health crisis is over, consider starting a fitness hobby like cycling to stay healthy and relieve stress. Like other forms of exercise, cycling offers many health benefits, such as improving overall health, mood, and self-confidence. After being stuck at home for months, many people have put on extra weight, which may or may not further heighten their stress levels. Interval cycling training using tools, like a cycling power meter and a heart-rate monitor, can help you shed off the extra pounds in a healthy way. Cycling at a moderate pace for at least 30 minutes a day can aid in regulating your weight and making you happy and healthy.
BONUS: HERE ARE TWO MORE GREAT WAYS TO TREAT STRESS NATURALLY.
Counseling
It’s okay to feel fear when talking about your mental health or stress, but you must realize how important it is to talk. Let go of your fear and embrace being open about it.
Professional therapists are the most qualified and knowledgable sources of counseling. However, you might be surprised at how good it feels to confide in close friends and family. Be sure who you share with are supportive and do not add to your stress.
Prayer
If you believe in God, then prayer and Bible reading is a great way to relieve stress. It’s a time to talk about your fears, feelings, and more. And who better than the creator of the universe to help you in times of struggles. If prayer and religion is not for you, consider meditation and breathing techniques. Taking time to slow down at some point in your day even if it is 5-10 minutes can help clear your mind and focus on the positive aspects of life.
These are many ways to treat stress naturally in your life. One bonus tip is to click here to try out the Stop Sign method. It will take time to rewire those neuron pathways but keep at it!
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If you are feeling down or depressed for more days than not, please seek medical attention. If you are feeling like you cannot go on, please call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat here>>> https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ Or visit the suicide prevention lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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