Natural stress relief. Seems like you can’t unwind after a long day. You’re not alone. We all need stress relief and don’t want to use prescriptions to get it. We can’t avoid some of the normal stressors of our daily lives, but we can help ourselves better deal with them.
The five Natural Stress Relievers can help you better handle your day and allow you to relax.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha acts as an adaptogen or anti-stress herb and is also a tonic. It can relieve stress and anxiety, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, reduce blood pressure, increase brain function, increase immunity, treat arthritis, an aphrodisiac, etc.
The most well-known benefits of Ashwagandha are its anti-anxiety and natural stress-relief abilities. The herb has a calming effect and helps with reducing anxiety. Anxiety and panic attacks can be difficult to deal with, but using Ashwagandha can help alleviate these symptoms.
Read more about Ashwagandha here.
Hemp Oil / CBD
Hemp oil and CBD oil deliver benefits from natural stress relief, deep relaxation, pain relief, and works as an anti-inflammatory and so much more.
We recently went on vacation and had a massage with CBD oil. It was awesome. You feel the effects well after your message and feel a deep relaxation and nothing seems to bother you. You can read more about CBD and Hemp Oil here.
5-HTP
5–Hydroxytryptophan (5–HTP) is an amino acid that your body already produces. It’s derived from an African plant known as Griffonia
You can feel a sense of the weight being lifted off your shoulders and the ability to breathe easily—feeling relaxed and less stressed. You may feel like all of a sudden, your body exhaled, your shoulders come down, and you have a feeling of relaxation. Aaahhh. Seemingly, you’re less agitated and have managed to get some natural stress relief. Also, check out 5 Natural Ways to Relax and Get Centered.
I’ve used this brand and this one of 5-HTP over the years.
Start taking 5-HTP supplements in small doses. Begin with 50 mg then you can increase from there if you need to. You may experience nausea if taken on an empty stomach. Or stomach upset if the dosage is too strong. Allow a week to notice the effects of the supplement. I recommend taking it with food.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender contains a sedative property that helps ease your stress and anxiety. You can apply this to your temples (for headaches) or behind your ears and lower neck area, which I like to do. It brings immediate relief. Try using a rollerball dispenser (best sure to add your carrier oil) to apply to these areas or even wrists. Inhaling the oil will also help; take deep breaths. Lavender also has a hypolipidemic effect. Meaning it can help lower lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides.
You can read the full post about lavender here or essential oil stress and anxiety relievers here.
Deep Breathing
Yes, this works. You just have to do it. It’s the easiest, cheapest, fastest natural stress relief. We’re not talking about taking real quick, somewhat deep breaths. These are intentional deep breathing exercises.
You can do this anywhere, even at work, after that annoying co-worker stops by your desk. You can’t close your eyes there; that may be weird or odd. But you can focus on something on your desk or nearby and take deep breaths.
Stop what you are doing. Close your eyes or focus on an object nearby. Then take a breath that goes down to your abdomen or diaphragm. You should feel yourself pushing down and out. Not up through the shoulders. Once you feel the difference breathe deeply for five counts, and hold your breath for at least three counts before exhaling. Then repeat five times.
I know some people or whoever says to count the exhale breath too, but make it as simple as possible at first. Then progress and add an exhale count of 5 or more. This increases your ability to relax. Focusing on the count also benefits meditation by quieting the mind. As you concentrate solely on your breath and count, your mind begins to unwind.
As with all things, find what works best for you. No two people are the same; therefore, no two people will have the same outcome. This is about figuring out what technique rings true for you.
I wish you peace and guidance on your relaxing journey. Take care and be well.
