SELF HELP
DR . SERGE GREGOIRE , PH . D , CCH Functional Medicine Doctor Mind and Body Solutions
ALWAYS STRESSED ? Here Are 8 Natural Stress Relievers to Try Now
Stress : We all deal with it , yet we know how much better off we ’ d be — both physically and mentally — if we could only get it under control and find stress relievers that really work . More and more research shows that chronic stress impacts the body in ways similar to a poor diet , lack of sleep , or sedentary lifestyle .
Would you believe that 75 percent to 90 percent of all doctor ’ s office visits are related to conditions caused by stress ? How exactly does stress negatively affect our health in so many ways ? It mostly boils down to changes in our hormones , which then cascade to an increase in inflammation and various other problems .
So , what are the best stress relievers available to us , and how can we ensure we don ’ t allow stress to control our lives ? If you adhere to the following eight practices , you ’ re sure to feel less pressure and better manage your stress on a daily basis . 1 . Exercise and Yoga
One of the best stress relievers available to us is exercise , a natural remedy for anxiety because it releases powerful endorphin chemicals in the brain , which act like the body ’ s built-in painkillers and mood-lifters . 2 . Meditation / Devotional Prayer
Meditation and healing prayer are both proven stress relievers that help people deal with worry , anxiety , and finding peace of mind . Best of all , they can both be practiced conveniently any time of the day , in your own home , and with no therapist , practitioner , or program needed , making them a no-brainer . They are practiced for as little as 10 – 15 minutes once or twice a day to bring about more “ mindfulness ” and reduce stress or anxiety . 3 . Acupuncture
Acupuncture has increasingly been used to treat many stress-related conditions , including psychiatric disorders , autoimmune or immunological-related diseases , infertility , anxiety , and depression . Studies have shown that acupuncture is one of the best stress relievers because it helps regulate the nervous system , therefore having positive effects on blood pressure levels , circulation , hormones , and other factors .
4 . A Nutrient-Dense Diet
A steady supply of nutrients like essential vitamins , trace minerals , healthy fats , electrolytes , amino acids , and antioxidants all help your brain handle stress better , therefore benefiting your entire body . Some of the best foods for natural stress relief include : Raw cultured dairy products , cage-free eggs , grass-fed beef , wild-caught fish , poultry , brewer ’ s yeast , avocados , nuts , and green leafy vegetables .
High protein foods — foods with protein provide amino acids that are needed for proper neurotransmitter functions .
On the other hand , foods to avoid : Packaged or sugary foods , alcohol , caffeine , and refined vegetable oils . 5 . Challenging Your Thoughts with “ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy .” Cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT ) is a type of therapeutic practice that has been proven to lower anxiety , stress , and multiple disorders — including addiction , eating disorders , insomnia , and depression . 6 . Spending More Time in Nature and Being Social
Making time for connecting with the people around you , spending time outside , and doing things you love with family , friends and your spouse are all stress relievers that are good for your health in many ways . Social connection is tied to longevity since it helps people feel like they ’ re a part of something larger than themselves and helps give them perspective . 7 . Keeping a Journal
Keeping track of your emotions , both positive and negative , along with the events that can trigger them helps you identify what ’ s causing stress . A journal is an easy , effective way to monitor your state of mind throughout the day , focus on thoughts that cause you to harm , and figure out what ’ s really bothering you when you ’ re unsure . 8 . Using Adaptogen Herbs and Essential Oils
Several adaptogenic herbs and essential oils have been shown to improve anxiety symptoms by reducing the effects that stress and cortisol have on the body , such as ginseng , ashwagandha , maca , Rhodiola , holy basil , cocoa , lavender , myrrh , frankincense , and bergamot .
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