3 Ways to Naturally Relieve Stress

Recognizing that you are suffering from stress is crucial to begin handling it. Many of us may be hesitant
to admit our true stress levels, out of concern that we may worry our family members or risk losing out
on opportunities at work.

However, living with a high level of stress over a long period of time is unsustainable, and can lead to
burnout at work, relationship issues at home, and severe health issues in the long run.
It is also important before you begin tackling your stress to know the difference between stress and
anxiety, as they are very different processes and must be treated in different ways.
Stress is initiated from outside forces, such as a deadline at work, a family conflict, or financial concern.
Long-term stress that is not handled can become a chronic affliction. Most minor stress is handled best
by addressing the issue that is causing the stress, usually eliminating the symptoms in the process. Long
term stress that doesn’t go away can be handled in a variety of ways, which will be covered here.
Anxiety is very different. Anxiety originates from inside a person, and is not in response to any specific
event or situation. It is a persistent feeling of concern, dread, and panic, even if there is no apparent
cause for these feelings. In some minor cases, anxiety can be alleviated through natural home remedies,
but in many cases anxiety disorders must be treated with the assistance of a mental health counselor
and/or psychiatrist.
If you have determined that you are suffering from long-term stress, read on for some natural stress-
management techniques that are sure to make a difference!

1. Exercise
It may sound counterintuitive, but raising your heart rate can actually help you combat stress! Our
bodies are made to move around and stay active, not live sedentary lifestyles behind desks and in
offices. When we take time to exercise, we are putting our bodies and brains into another “mode”,
where endorphins are released and our brains begin to work on solving the problems that are ailing us.
Taking a much needed break from the strain of day to day life can help you to gain new perspective,
which also reduces the amount of stress you may be experiencing. Getting your blood pumping, be it
through Pilates, jogging, or even weight lifting allows you the opportunity to clear your mind, enjoy a
temporary reprieve from your problems, and enjoy the health benefits of staying active.
When becoming more active after a long period of inactivity, make sure you take it slow to avoid injury.
If you want to begin jogging or running, start by walking and work up to more intensive exercise. Treat
exercise as a kind of “moving meditation”, where you can step away from the stress of your situation
and immerse yourself in the moment.

2. Natural Supplements
Taking natural supplements is an excellent solution for those who do not want the side effects of
medication, or whose stress is not severe enough to require medication. There are many natural
supplements that have been used medicinally for thousands of years to combat stress and anxiety, and
many of these are now available in oils, capsules, or even teas!
Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, is derived from the hemp plant and is a non-high inducing oil that can be used in
a multitude of ways. This supplement is specifically recommended for those suffering from stress, as the
CBD extract can cause feelings of calm, improve sleep, and promote relaxation.
For those who have never tried CBD before, it is recommended to try a small amount and then gradually
increase the amount to achieve the desired stress relieving affects. CBD oil can be added to food and
used as cooking oil, or taken as a daily supplement in capsule form.

3. MeditationMeditation has been practiced as a natural stress-relieving solution for thousands of years, and
fortunately it is very easy to start. You simply need a quiet room and a few minutes alone. Many
professionals recommend beginning with breathing exercises. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to
meditate. The important thing is to focus on your breathing, releasing tension from the body and mind,
and gradually becoming more grounded and mindful.
Meditation allows you to learn skills that calm your brain down and release things that you have been
holding onto, consciously or unconsciously. The best part of this is that you can then use these skills,
such as mindfulness, outside of meditation as well; during meetings, while driving, or even during
conflict. This is an excellent way to not only reduce stress but prevent stress from becoming an issue in
daily life. Meditation comes in many forms, but generally it involves quiet, contemplative time at the
beginning or end of the day. There are apps and websites you can use to lead you through guided
meditations as well, if you are new to meditating and unsure of where to begin.