70% of adults in the US say they are stressed or feel stressed each day. Stress can manifest itself in many different ways, and it is often referred to as the silent killer as stress can lead to further health problems that affect you physically. If you feel like stress is playing a big part in your life, then this post has easy ways to reduce your stress levels before they become too big to cope with.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body. Exerting yourself physically can help you to reduce mental worry and stress. Exercise has been shown to reduce the production of stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol, over time. It also aids in releasing endorphins, which are chemicals that improve your mood and act as natural pain relievers when you are exercising.
Get Outside
Serotonin is increased by exposure to sunlight, which can help prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Sun exposure can also benefit people suffering from anxiety and depression, primarily when used with other treatments. All it takes is for 15 minutes at a time, a few times a week, for you to notice the difference.
Change Your Diet
Do you eat more or eat the wrong foods when you are stressed? If this can get you stuck in a vicious circle that leads to doing nothing to reduce your stress, unhealthy foods or increased consumption can make you feel worse. Avoid binging on processed and sugary foods and eat healthily to support your body and help you to feel better.
Consider Supplements
Several supplements have been shown to help with stress and anxiety reduction. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most beneficial supplements for stress;
- Lemon Balm
- Omega 3
- Green Tea
- Valerian
- Kava kava
Alternatively, you can buy cbd oil to add to foods and drinks and experiment to find the correct dosage to aid relaxation and reduce stress. CBD oil is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis and gives you the benefits without getting you high.
See Family and Friends
Social support from friends and family can be highly beneficial when dealing with stressful situations. Being a part of a friend network can provide you with a sense of belonging and self-worth, which can be highly helpful during difficult times.
One study discovered that spending time with friends and children, in particular, helps release oxytocin, a natural stress reliever, in women. This is referred to as the “tend and befriend” effect, which is the polar opposite of the fight-or-flight reaction.
Chew Gum
Chewing a stick of gum is a simple and effective stress reliever that takes no time at all. According to one study, people who chewed gum reported a greater sense of well-being and experienced less stress.
One possible explanation is that chewing gum produces brain waves similar to those experienced by relaxed people. Another benefit of chewing gum is that it increases blood flow to the brain. Furthermore, according to a recent study, people who chewed with greater force experienced the most significant stress relief.