Small amounts of stress are a natural part of life, but it’s important to keep our stress levels in check. Persistent or chronic stress can have serious consequences for our health - even increasing our risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and other illnesses.
With this in mind, what are some easy ways to manage stress at home? From meditation to magnesium baths and journaling, read on for 9 natural ways to reduce stress below.
Natural Stress Remedy: Meditate Daily
A daily meditation practice is a fantastic way to promote mindfulness and relieve stress. Don’t be intimidated - as little as 5 minutes a day can make a huge difference to your stress levels!
There are several ways to incorporate meditation into your daily routine. You might prefer to meditate first thing in the morning to set yourself up for the day, or at the end of the night to clear your mind (or both!). Simply find a quiet place and get yourself into a comfortable position, either seated with a straight back or lying down. Gently close your eyes, relax your facial muscles and focus on your breath. Try to relax every part of your body and release any tension.
Next, quiet the mind. You might choose to listen to some soothing music, a guided meditation, or even enjoy some silence. Notice any thoughts that may arise, and gently put them to the side. To enhance your meditation experience, try diffusing some calming essential oils or using grounding crystals like selenite.
Natural Stress Remedy: Use Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is another great way to reduce stress in your daily life. Certain essential oils are renowned for their calming properties and can help us release tension and anxiety.
The best essential oils for reducing stress include:
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Chamomile
- Ylang Ylang
- Neroli
- Patchouli
Simply inhale these oils using an essential oil diffuser, or create a roller bottle blend that you can massage gently into your wrists, temples and pulse points.
Natural Stress Remedy: Soak in Magnesium
Did you know our magnesium levels are highly correlated with our stress levels? Magnesium is vital for the daily functioning of our bodies (including regulating stress), but a large number of people are magnesium deficient. Soaking in magnesium flakes is a quick, safe way to raise your magnesium levels, while also enjoying the calming effects of a warm bath.
Simply add 1-3 cups of magnesium flakes to your bath and relax for 30 minutes, up to 2-3 times a week. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils for an even more soothing experience!
Natural Stress Remedy: Minimise Screen Time
Too much screen time can have a direct impact on our stress levels. Electronic devices emit lights and stimuli that cause repeated stress on our central nervous system, while also contributing to poor eyesight, irritability and lack of concentration. Try to minimise screen time where possible by setting time limits, keeping your phone out of the bedroom, and removing unnecessary apps and distractions.
You might also want to consider introducing a Himalayan salt lamp into your home or workspace. Himalayan salt lamps emit negative ions, which can combat the positive ions generated by our devices.
Natural Stress Remedy: Up Your Exercise
Exercise lowers our stress hormones and releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins trigger a positive response in our brain, helping us feel refreshed and energised. Pretty much any form of exercise can help to decrease your stress levels, while also improving your fitness. The trick is to pick an exercise that you genuinely enjoy - for example, walking, cycling, yoga, dancing, swimming, pilates or running. Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of movement each day to help manage your stress.
Natural Stress Remedy: Cut Down On Caffeine
While small amounts of caffeine can lift your mood, too much caffeine can contribute to elevated levels of cortisol. If you’re trying to keep your stress levels under control, stick to just one coffee a day or consider swapping this for alternatives like decaf coffee or peppermint tea.
Natural Stress Remedy: Journal Regularly
Are you a pen and paper kind of person? The practice of journaling can help you release negative emotions and relieve stress in your daily life. There are several different ways to journal - you can start a gratitude journal where you jot down the things you’re grateful for, or a stress-relief journal where you dump any stressful thoughts! Try 5 minutes of journaling before bed each night as part of your wind-down routine.
Natural Stress Remedy: Try a Hemp Oil Supplement
Hemp seed oil is packed with various omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to reduce anxiety and stress. Try drizzling hemp seed oil over salads, adding hemp seeds to your smoothies, or simply taking a hemp oil supplement each morning.
Natural Stress Remedy: Spend Time With Loved Ones
Finally, don’t forget to fill your cup by spending time with your loved ones! Surrounding yourself with friends and family can help you feel happier, more content, and less stressed.
Looking for more health and wellness tips, special offers and exclusive discounts? Sign up for our Inspire Me Naturally newsletter.
