6 Natural Ways to Decrease Stress

In our fast-paced society, between work and family commitments, it’s normal to feel like you’re burning the candle at both ends. Juggling responsibilities and finding time for a social life, not to mention self-care, can feel overwhelming and unsustainable, leading to stress, anxiety and burnout. Like many people, you’d probably prefer to destress and relax in more natural ways instead of opting for pharmaceuticals. If you’ve been looking for healthy, natural ways to unwind and reset, keep reading for healthy, natural ways to boost your emotional well-being. 

Get Physical 

When life gets hectic, one of the first things that get put on the back burner is staying physically active. In reality, exercise has long been documented to boost stress-relieving chemicals in the brain; the best part is that it’s free. Guarding your exercise routine is essential to living a stress-free lifestyle, so start prioritizing it and setting boundaries with other obligations to ensure you have the time. If your parental responsibilities are part of the reason you feel like you don’t have time, try pursuing physical exercise your children can participate in with you. 

Supplements 

Many herbs and supplements have been shown to decrease stress and anxiety. Passionflower is a great supplement if you suffer from anxiety, which almost 20% of people do. Adding Ashwagandha root powder to your daily smoothie has many benefits, as this adaptogen has been shown to decrease stress and lower cortisol levels in the body. CBD in teas, tinctures, and gummies can also help you reset and calm down. Sometimes you must try several supplements to find the one that works best. 

Decluttering 

Studies have shown that people who live in cluttered environments have much higher cortisol (the stress hormone) levels than those who opt for a more minimalist lifestyle. By keeping a clutter-free work and home environment, your mind isn’t distracted by chores like cleaning up, overflowing laundry, and knick-knacks that need dusting. While you don’t have to Marie Kondo your entire home, this is a way to free up some mental space for peace – and hey, you could even make some extra cash by selling unwanted items online or holding a garage sale. 

Vacationing 

Did you know that people who take regular vacations are at a significantly lower risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease than their non-vacationing counterparts? It’s true! While taking vacations is a privilege and something most people have to budget significantly for, they’re worth their weight in gold regarding your physical and mental health. Vacations are a natural way to unplug from your devices, leave work in your hometown and focus on resetting and making joy-filled memories. Even a quick weekend road trip can do wonders for your stress levels. 

Sleeping 

Getting enough sleep impacts all levels of our health, even our appearance – they don’t call it “beauty sleep” for no reason. Making sure to prioritize at least eight hours of sleep is critical for your health and stress levels. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, natural supplements like Melatonin can help you catch better z’s. Setting a mindful nighttime routine like a relaxing bath, an indulgent skincare routine, and enjoying a cup of chamomile tea can all help promote deeper, more restorative sleep. 

Ditching Social Media 

Many people toss and turn at night, worrying about things they can’t control. We all know that social media damages mental health, yet we keep logging in. Deleting social media and stopping letting comparison steal your joy can do wonders for stress levels. If you think you’ll have trouble deleting all your apps, start with one at a time and build from there. Set goal timelines, like you, won’t get on Instagram for a month. By the time those thirty days are up, you may be surprised at how little you miss it, and with your decreased stress, you may be able to give it up for good. 

Seeking small, natural ways to lower stress levels in your life is something we can all benefit from. The above-mentioned ways to limit or eliminate stress in your life are free or cost little to start implementing. If you’re struggling significantly with stress and feelings of overwhelm, reach out to friends, family, or a licensed therapist – you’re worth it. Here’s to your health!