Most people are no stranger to stress and/or anxiety – especially with the current climate. Being that stress is a normal emotion, there is no wrong way to deal with it. What works for stress reduction in some, might not work for others. But, don’t stress it (see what I did there?), because we have exhausted countless man-hours to scour the internet and gather the top tried and true methods for relieving stress. Keep reading for 9 sure-fire ways to reduce stress and anxiety.
Tips to Relieve Anxiety and Stress
9. Reevaluate Your Sleeping Schedule
Although one of the most obvious entries, it also happens to be one of the most crucial. Getting enough sleep can make a huge difference in anxiety levels throughout the day. Lack of adequate ZZZ’s can cause irritability, an inability to concentrate, and eventually even more serious and possibly long term cognitive issues. On the flip side of that coin though, is a different story. Those who allow themselves an efficient amount of rest will be refreshed, ready to face the day and experience much less stress.
8. Yoga and Meditation
An oldie, but surely a goodie. Performing yoga, and using it to successfully meditate, is an excellent way to reduce anxiety and stress. Plus, it is just such a feel-good activity. A combination of physical poses, breath control, and meditation, yoga has been used for centuries in the relief of anxiety and stress. It does its magic by not only helping you relax but also lowering your blood pressure and heart rate.
7. Using an All-Natural Botanical Supplement
With the many different pharmaceuticals on offer for any and every ailment and complaint, it might seem like a good idea to seek a prescription to help with your anxiety. However, Those medicines can have some not-so-fun side effects. All-natural botanical alternatives, such as Mitragyna Speciosa commonly known as Kratom, can sometimes be even more effective than their pharmaceutical counterparts.
Not to mention, so long as it is used sensibly, Kratom can be a much safer way at New Treatment to counteract anxiety and stress as there is little chance of overdose. A hint of advice – as with kratom you put in your body, make sure that you are using a responsible and trustworthy supplier. Many places test their Kratom for harmful contaminants like metals.
6. 15 Minute Music Break
Music soothes the soul. If you are feeling stressed, taking a break and listening to some of your favorite music can have a calming effect. Block out 15 minutes and pop in your AirPods. Create a playlist that can meet your specific needs, a faster song can help with focus and concentration, while a slow tempo is ideal for full-body relaxation and stress relief. Studies have shown that listening to music can alter the brain’s function – possibly to the same extent as medication would.
5. Rearrange Your Diet
Believe it or not, your diet can greatly factor into stress levels, as well as affecting the way that we respond to it. Eating an unhealthy and unbalanced diet can most certainly wreak havoc with your body and that includes making you more susceptible to anxious feelings and stress. Unhealthy eating can lead to weight gain, lowered immunity, and reduced energy (among many other issues!). In turn, those problems can, you guessed it, stress you out. Eating right, and getting a sufficient amount of exercise, can make you feel like a whole new you.
4. Sex (With or Without a Partner)
Let’s talk about sex. Since long before the history books, orgasms have been used as a form of all-natural stress relief. And, it is super effective. Whether it be with a trusted partner or alone, achieving orgasm is a terrific way to release pent up stress and anxiety. Always use common sense and be safe with your activities. Nothing causes anxiety, like finding out that you have an STI or an unplanned pregnancy 😉
3. Breathing Exercises
Okay, okay, this is totally cliche but using breathing exercises to relieve stress is one of the most simple and sure-fire ways to go about it. One of the easiest to master is called belly breathing:
- While sitting in a comfortable position, place one hand on your chest, and the other on your lower abdomen (immediately below the rib cage).
- Breathing in deeply through your nose, allow your belly to expand, pushing your hand up. The hand on your chest should not move.
- Purse your lips, as if you are about to whistle. Very slowly push the air out through your pursed lips. Use the hand on the abdomen to help ensure that all air is out.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times.
2. Treat Yourself
Now, that does not mean that you should go out and buy that expensive car that you have been drooling over. But, it is okay to treat yourself now and then. A new hobby ‘toy’, a cute blouse you’ve been eyeing, or a trip to the theatre to watch that movie that you’ve been dying to see. The process of shopping has been known to boost endorphins, making it somewhat of a feel-good activity. Just be sure not to go overboard with it! Debt will make anyone stress out.
1. Schedule Self-Reflection Time Daily
Not too much unlike meditation, which causes relaxation and increased focus, your daily self-reflection time should be used to analyze yourself. Evaluate and contemplate to find a suitable solution. Concentrating on the true triggers for your anxiety will help you see them for what they are and approach them more constructively.
As we stated earlier, not everyone responds to anxiety in the same way. Sure, these stress management techniques can be super helpful – especially the natural supplements – but there is no shame in seeking additional help. Therapy is a fantastic tool, one that can be utilized in conjunction with other techniques. The fact that you are looking for ways to confront and manage your stress is a massive first step. You are already well on your way to a more peaceful, relaxed, and anxiety-free life.