Life under normal circumstances can be stressful, but in these challenging times, it can be so much worse. In this blog, I am going to discuss how to manage stress so you can enjoy greater satisfaction and better physical and emotional wellbeing. Let’s get to it.
In addition to health-robbing physical reactions and lowered immunity, stress can lead to a bunch of unsettling feelings: Prolonged stress can affect relationships, sex drive, digestion, and sleep – making you feel fatigued, irritable, and less like “you”. You can be easily distracted and unfocused, finding that your mind wanders and holding you back from your greatest potential.
5 Natural Ways to Alleviate Stress in Your Life
Tip #1. Think in present time.
It’s so easy to be affected by events that happened in the past or worry about what might happen in the future. But dwelling on these things that you cannot control leaves you with the discomfort of fear, self-doubt, and anxiety.
You need to be in the “now”, the only place where you can act on choices. How do you get there? Take a walk to get out of your head. Instead of thinking about things you have no control over, focus your attention on your surroundings. Really look at an object or interaction, noting the details (shape, size, color, direction, placement, etc. and then shift your focus to another object. Keep doing this for your entire time walking. You’ll be amazed at how much more at ease you will feel.
Tip #2. Pay Attention to Your Breath.
Breathing slower and more deeply can help calm your nervous system, lower your heart rate, stabilize blood pressure, and decrease how much of the stress hormone cortisol is released into your body. Here’s what you can do:
- Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for the count of 4. Keep your shoulders relaxed.
- Hold for 4 seconds
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for the count of 4. As you blow air out, purse your lips slightly, but keep your jaw relaxed.
- Repeat this breathing exercise 4 or more times – until you start to feel better.
Tip #3. Consistently Practice Yoga.
A number of studies have shown that yoga may help reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that may help you achieve peacefulness and relaxation. Recognize it as a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation. Whether in a class or at home, practicing Yoga can enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being.
Tip #4. Take the Angst Out of How You Feel.
Learn to Meditate. Even as little as five minutes can help clear your worrisome thoughts. Watch a funny video or listen to a soothing podcast. Turn on some uplifting music and dance. Play a game. All this for stress relief.
Tip #5. Take Action to Increase Endorphins.
Endorphins are your body’s natural “feel good” hormones. You can increase your levels produced in your bloodstream through exercise, meditation, belly laughing, and sexual arousal. And, of course, there’s always the dark chocolate-chili pepper combination for a double dose of endorphin release.
So, I hope you found this blog valuable in providing a few ways to help you become less stressed. Take a look at the video below for additional tips on how to deal with stress, naturally.
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As holistic dentists, we've recommended products and services that supported our patients’ health for decades. In experiencing our own health challenges from mercury toxicity, we worked closely with many natural, alternative, and integrative health practitioners who aided our recovery as well as our patients’. We built this site to provide you with a simple-to-use, comprehensive, informational, and functional resource for your physical, emotional, and spiritual health & well-being.