Believe it or not, stress is a modern problem. Our ancestors hardly spoke about the concept of stress that we know today, although that’s not to say they didn’t also experience symptoms of stress too. After all, there were plenty of things to worry about hundreds of years ago. The difference is that, despite advances in technology intended to make our lives easier, modern life has become more complicated than ever.
Rather than occasional waves of stress, modern life is often a constant state of stress due to its fast pace. Yet, unless you want to move to the woods and go off the grid altogether, unfortunately, you have to embrace the stress of modern life.
While you may not be able to eliminate all stress from your life, you can master the art of learning to reduce it, the natural way if you’re looking for ways to reduce your stress without turning to medication, here are some effective ways to reduce stress naturally.
Turn to Art
Turning to art is a very popular stress relieving technique, since it provides an outlet for self-expression. When you engage in art, you express your emotions in a nonverbal way that may not be possible to put into words. Whether you enjoy painting, or sculpting, art allows you to channel these feelings and thoughts into your creations. The process can help you release pent-up emotions that will give you a deep sense of relief.
Get Out Into Nature
Spending time in nature has proven to have significant therapeutic effects on the brain. Connecting with the outdoors, whether by going to the beach, or hiking on a trail can promote a sense of calm thanks to the natural setting you’re in. Not to mention fresh air is essential for your health and can be a welcome pause from the hustle and bustle of your daily life.
Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing can significantly counteract anxiety, and not only making an emotional difference, but it can also make a physical difference. Whenever you start to feel yourself stressing out, take a few minutes to practice deep slo, and intentional breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold in for a few moments, and exhale through your mouth.
This simple yet effective exercise will trigger your body’s self-soothing response and reduce the amount of cortisol in your body.
Sleep
Many of us are guilty of getting less sleep than we should. After all, life can get busy, and we have social lives to live! However, there is a direct link between our stress levels and the amount of hours that we sleep at night. Prioritize getting at least eight hours of sleep a night, and your mind will be adequately rejuvenated so that you can better handle stressful moments without panicking or losing control.
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