6 Simple Strategies to Naturally Reduce Stress

Rebecca Lewis February 10, 2014

You woke up at 6 in the morning. It’s the start of the work week but you feel so tired. You slept at 2 am because you still had to finish your report. That four-hour sleep was not enough. It was never enough.

Stress is part of life. Men, women, young, old, working professionals or students – we all deal with stress from time to time. But what matters more is what we do to overcome it. If you are looking for natural, simple and effective strategies to reduce stress, we’ve got plenty of tips for you.

Sweat it away.

When you are stressed and all, all you probably want to do is to lie on your bed, sleep and rest. But numerous studies have shown that staying active can help you beat stress. You probably have felt that mood-boosting effect of endorphin after several minutes of moderate to vigorous workouts. What’s more, exercise can boost the production of norepinephrine that does not only lift your mood but also improves your cognitive function. Busy? Consider HIIT workouts. They are fun, challenging but very brief.

Chill out.

Doing the same things over and over again can really stress you out. Make relaxation a part of your lifestyle. At least once or twice a week, consider going out for a soothing massage at the spa, or some chitchat over coffee with a friend. The key is finding out what works for you. Want a free, convenient way to relax your mind and body? Practise meditation.

Find time for play.

Let go of the child in you. Play with your kids, cuddle with your pets, solve a puzzle game, or learn a new dance craze. Allow yourself to be silly at times. Forget about the worries and enjoy. That’s it. Just enjoy.

Befriend your tummy.

Chronic stress can contribute to a wide range of digestive disorders, like upset stomach, constipation, diarrhoea, and irritable bowel syndrome. To counter these conditions, consider supplying your tummy with probiotics – the beneficial microbes that contribute to a strong immune system and boost your health.

Eat small meals often.

Maintaining a steady blood sugar level is one key to stabilising your mood. Don’t skip meals and try to eat at least every 2-3 hours. Choose foods that are high in protein and other nutrients but low in calories.

Try herbal remedies.

Some herbs were proven effective in reducing stress. They include chamomile, lavender, Kava Kava, passion flower, Siberian ginseng and Liquorice. Whilst lavender can be used in tea, it is often used as an essential oil. The aromatic scent of lavender has been shown to induce feelings of calmness and relaxation, and promote quality sleep.

If stress is starting to affect your quality of life, consider seeking help from a psychologist or counsellor who specialises in stress and other related problems. You don’t have to do this on your own. Chronic stress can significantly impact your health and well-being so addressing it early is crucial.