For most people living in the modern world, stress is no stranger. There are worries and pressures to face every day. Some stress is necessary, and it can actually aid in productivity, but an excess of stress can be extremely detrimental to your physical and mental health. Furthermore, prolonged stress can cause a myriad of complications to your health and wellbeing, meaning that stress management is more important than ever.
More than 3 quarters of American adults suffer from stress, so it’s vital that you understand if you’re dealing with this issue and, if so, what you can do about it.
What is Stress and What Causes it?
When you feel stressed, your body naturally responds, chemicals and hormones are released, and this can decrease brain function. It is similar to the bodily reactions in a fight or flight scenario. There are multiple different kinds of stress, some of which are more harmful than others and identifying what type of stress you experience and the causes behind it can be helpful when trying to alleviate it.
Stress can have countless causes; they can be internal factors like the pressure you put on yourself to perform either personally, professionally, or academically or they can be external factors such as finances or other relationships. Stress can also simply come from day-to-day minor inconveniences that build up over time.
Exercise
This is a really good way to burn off any excess anxious energy and trigger the flow of endorphins, which is a chemical that makes you feel happier. Exercise is known to be extremely effective at reducing fatigue, increasing alertness, and improving cognitive function. If you are not an athlete, do not worry; almost any form of exercise can be beneficial in reducing the effects of stress.
Meditation
This involves sitting still and calming your mind; this makes it easier to manage your stress and anxiety. It is an extremely popular method of stress relief, with many counsellors and therapists recommending its uses. This is because it fosters a deep sense of relaxation, which quietens the body’s response to stress and slows the production of stress-related chemicals and hormones.
Aromatherapy
The right scent can also help to relieve stress. There is some evidence that aromatherapy helps to relieve stress, although some people argue that it is better used in conjunction with other methods. Depending on the scent, it can reduce the levels of stress hormones in the blood. Lavender, Rosemary, and sage are often the most recommended scents.
Medical Marijuana
If you are prone to chronic stress and anxiety, medical marijuana could greatly benefit you. Relaxation and stress relief is one of the most common uses of medical marijuana. Strains with high levels of THC or CBD are the most effective in relieving stress. It can be more cost and time effective to grow your own. SeedMasters.com is a huge online retailer that sells an enormous variety of seeds for different strains of marijuana. They sell their seeds to buyers around the world, and offer plain packaging to make sure that you don’t get judged by your neighbors for buying cannabis seeds! Make sure you check the laws and regulations of your state before growing your own supply. You may find that you need to apply for a licence to ensure that it is all above board.
Herbal Teas & Supplements
There are many people that claim herbal teas and supplements can reduce stress and anxiety. This is one of the more holistic approaches, but it is effective. It depends on the ingredient. For example, chamomile is known to reduce nausea and aid digestion, or linden is known to aid in muscle relaxation. If you do your research, you will likely find a natural herbal supplement or tea with ingredients that combat your symptoms of stress.
In Conclusion
The above list of natural remedies can be incredibly useful in helping you to combat stress. Coping mechanisms are really important as stress is a part of life. However, they do mostly address the symptoms that your stress causes. Try to also work on discovering the cause of your stress to address the root of it too.
Read More:
Smart moving tips to keep stress at bay
Anti-stress hacks: how to really enjoy in your bath
5 Herbs and plants to help you fight stress and anxiety