4 Natural Stress Relievers for Stressful Times

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If you live in America, you’re no stranger to the economic stress of the present time. And with more and more evidence that stress can lead to any number of ailments, including heart disease, cancer, depression and anxiety, it’s critical to learn to address it properly. Before you turn to options such as prescription drugs or alcohol as a way to deal with your daily stressors, try these natural stress-relief methods.

Any economic crisis, whether it is big or small, brings on some sort of stress. While you can’t necessarily prevent stress from entering your life, you can choose the manner in which you deal with that stress. Solutions like prescription drugs or alcohol may temporarily address your problems and mask the true depth of the actual stress – but the problems are still there and most likely getting worse.

The good news is there are alternative stress relief options available. These alternative methods are more likely to have a positive role and result in your life. Most of them are inexpensive to implement, and some are even free.

An Exercise in Stress Relief
First and foremost, the fact that you are stressed needs to be recognized and dealt with in order to minimize the negative impact stress can have upon your well being and overall state of health. The next step in your stress relief exercise is to identify what works for you. Some routines and programs that work for others may not work in your situation, so it is important that you utilize something you believe in and will continue to use to your very own benefit.

Some basic stress relief tips, which do not require full commitment to a program of sorts, include things like meditation, taking stock of the situation in a rational manner, eating correctly, getting regular exercise, and utilization of incenses and oils.

Try these 4 Natural Stress Relievers for Stressful Times to start:

1. Meditation
Meditation can be done via differing techniques and methods. You can use music to meditate or implement any one of several breathing techniques. The key here is to try to allow yourself to relax, while letting the music or the breathing enter and cleanse your inner self. Although this may sound somewhat esoteric to some, you should not discount it as an effective means of relaxation and stress relief. Find a quiet spot where you will be able to relax, breathe and slip into a state that will ultimately relax you to your core. Should this method work for you, you can seek further development and enhancement to your meditation regimen.

2. Adjust Your Eating Habits
Your body may be trying to tell you that it is not receiving the correct nutrients, and that is being manifested in the stress-related situations you are experiencing. Unfortunately many lifestyles are prone to fast foods and quick fixes, neither of which are the healthiest choice. Take the time to look at your diet and make an effort to eat vitamin-rich foods, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Even something as simple as drinking enough water may help your body combat the effects of stress.

3. Exercise
Even if you only take a light walk around the block, it still gets your blood pumping, and raises your “feel-good” endorphins. Additionally, getting out into the fresh air and appreciating the nature in the neighborhood or local park is a great way get your mind off daily stress and pressures.

4. Sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential when dealing with stress, but you may be falling victim to the vicious circle of stress and sleep. Too little sleep can cause you to become more stressed and to feel the effects of that stress even more, but too much stress in your life can interrupt your sleep. Before turning to prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids as a way to resolve the situation, try natural approaches like chamomile, melatonin or valerian root.

Stress is a part of daily life for most people, but by learning how to deal with it effectively, you can minimize the effect it has on your life and your health.