Rest assured, there are many things you can do before you run out to get
a pill. Here’s a list of some of the most effective natural stress
reducers.
Massage
This is kind of a no-brainier, right? Everybody
loves a massage. But did you know that it’s been used as a stress reliever for
thousands of years? Historically, the Chinese used massage to open blocked
energy channels in order to improve health and Hippocrates, the “father of
western medicine,” used friction for physical healing treatments. Today, we use
massage to relax tense muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation, which can
all do wonders for the mind.
Meditation
Meditation, or mindfulness, only takes 15 to 30
minutes a day, which is possible even in a packed schedule. It’s also
incredibly affordable, considering the only tool you need is your own mind.
Just give yourself some silent time to let your thoughts run free or just focus
on your breathing. That small amount of peace in your day can help you deal
with or even release stress.
Exercise
Whether it’s yoga, Tai Chi or running, exercise
works much in the same way as meditation because it gives you the time to be
alone with your thoughts (or an opportunity to let them go). However, exercise
also has the added benefit of releasing endorphin into the brain, which
improves your mood. It also prevents obesity and other health problems, giving
you less to be stressed about.
Organize your life
Organization offers a sense of control and peace
of mind, and there’s a number of ways you can improve in this regard. If you’re
the kind of person who’s always running around, it can help to make lists so
that you remember everything. If you’re the kind of person who feels edgy in
their own house, tidy up. Studies have shown the mere sight of clutter can put
us on edge.
Eat
healthy
It’s actually been proven that junk food can make
us depressed (not to mention fat) so clean up your diet. Healthy foods like
whole grains and protein can improve your mood and give you long-lasting energy
to tackle everything that comes your way during the day. Foods that are
especially effective for stress-busting include blueberries, salmon and
almonds, according to scientists.
Also, put down that extra cup of coffee. While
studies have shown that some coffee during the day can offer health benefits,
too much caffeine will make you jittery and anxious, and eventually lead to a
crash.
Limit
Internet and cell-phone use
Disconnect, disconnect, disconnect. Part of the
problem with reducing stress in today’s world is that we are never truly able
to shield ourselves from it. By turning away from the Internet and shutting off
our cellphones, we can at least block some of the channels from which stress
can reach us. Doing this also allows us to live in the moment and appreciate
it.
It is particularly important to cut off
electronic use before sleep, which can cut down on insomnia-related problems.
B
Vitamins
B vitamins are known to promote proper
functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as help induce relaxation
and fight fatigue. In fact, indicators of B deficiency include irritability,
depression and apathy, so to stave off those symptoms, increase your intake of
foods rich in B vitamins. B vitamins are typically found in the germ and bran
of cereal grains, as well as beans, peas, nuts, liver, eggs and dairy products.
Sleep
Sleep is the most important natural stress
reducer of them all. Too little sleep leaves us cranky, irritable and on edge.
Too much sleep can leave us sluggish and depressed. Try to find the right
balance that allows you to feel well-rested and ready for the day. Promote
better sleep by establishing bedtime rituals that signal to your brain that
it’s time to fall asleep, avoid exercise in the three hours before sleep or
take a warm bath. Certain foods can also promote sleep, such as carbohydrates,
bananas, peanuts.
