Why not try natural stress relievers rather than drugs?
We all deal with stress from all sorts of events and situations in daily life. Stress is a natural part of life; that has been a reality since the beginning of humanity.
Interestingly, stress was only first documented in the late 1950s by endocrinologist Hans Selye, who first coined the term. He identified GAS, or general adaptation syndrome, a three-stage process that the body goes through when under stress, being alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
When stress is persistent or ongoing, it becomes chronic stress. Chronic stress is best viewed as an alarm from your body, which needs your attention before it causes more serious physical and mental harm. Being attuned to your body’s needs, staying determined enough to take care of your health, and managing your stress level are keys to beating stress before it takes a toll on your life.
Don’t rush out to get a pill or cope by subjecting yourself to more harmful activities as temporary coping behaviors. There are easy, healthy, and effective stress-busting techniques that can help you manage your stress.
Here are some proven natural and effective stress relievers you can try immediately.
Massage
Massage has been around for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese medicine used massage therapy to unblock specific energy channels that cause tension in the body to improve overall physical health. Today, massages have become more invaluable due to our modern, stress-inducing lifestyle
There is little wonder that massage practitioners have developed close to 200 techniques and styles and are widely available around the world. It’s a very convenient, effective and natural way to ease tension, anxiety and stress. It also improves circulation and helps you sleep better.
Meditation
Meditation is the practice of silencing your mind to help cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention purposefully, being present in the moment, all while suspending judgment of your thoughts. Practicing mental silence and cultivating mindfulness in your life is a very effective way to block stress. The stress-busting effects of meditation have significant long-term effects on health.
Going For a Walk
Several studies report the significant stress-reducing effects of walking. Dynamic exercise is a great way to manage stress, but if you’re unable to get your heart rate pumping through any strenuous physical activity, walking is a low-impact, healthy alternative.
The wondrous, positive benefits of walking are profound; from reducing tension to boosting endorphins, to boosting your energy while reducing fatigue. A walk, or any exercise will not only distract you from your stress source; it will physically dissipate the stress hormones that are the root cause of chronic stress.
Daily Exercise
People who are experiencing chronic stress can find it difficult to exercise. However, the better your fitness level gets, the more resilient the body becomes at dealing with stress. Exercise reduces cortisol levels and helps the body return to its natural pre-stressed state. That’s a big win! Make time for exercise because you simply cannot afford not to.
Declutter And Get Organized
Not all sources of stress are external; unfortunately, sometimes, they grow like vines inside the mind when we worry and feel anxious. What better way to feel anxious than see a pile of clutter all around you?
Even when you are intensely busy, scheduling and making time to clean and get organized is a great step to feeling better and managing your stress. Being organized can deliver peace of mind and give you a sense of control over our environment and life. This empowerment will help you be more accepting of the things beyond your control.
Limit Your Social Media Consumption
Limiting social media can benefit you in multiple ways. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can be detrimental to your mental health. It stimulates emotional stress and causes symptoms of anxiety and depression. Regulating your daily internet usage and social media consumption can be very effective in managing your stress and mental health.
Cuddling
Cuddling, hugging, and all forms of physical intimacy can effectively reduce stress. A great positive physical connection with a person you care about helps release oxytocin, which is the cuddle hormone, and dissipates cortisol. This helps leave you calm, relaxed, and can even cause you to feel sleepy. In effect, cuddling can help address stress symptoms and lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Playing With A Pet
A pet can be a really great source of companionship, happiness, and purpose. When you spend time and play with them, it can help alleviate stress and improve your mood instantly. Just petting your dog or cat could lower your blood pressure, if it is elevated.
Playing with your pet also makes you release the love hormone, oxytocin.
This brain chemical puts you in a great mood, makes you feel relaxed, and reduces stress, tension and anxiety. Thousands of homeless pets need you – adopt from a local rescue group, humane society, or the “pound.” Check out https://www.petfinder.com/ to search multiple rescue group adoptable dogs and cats in one place.
Even if you can’t get a pet because of your living situation or other issues, at least get a stuffed animal and enjoy the throwback to childhood when you probably had a favorite teddy bear.
Bottom line – don’t just spin your wheels with stress. Take action to get natural stress relief instead of trying drugs.
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