As much as we may not welcome stress in our lives, unfortunately, stress is part of modern-day living. Rather than deny or resist it, we would be better off accepting it and learning to live with it. And while there are some medications that can alleviate our stress, the truth is many of them can be more damaging than beneficial. Anti-anxiety medications can be addictive and ultimately lead to the problem persisting rather than getting to the heart of it. If you’re looking for ways to eliminate stress the natural way, then here are some methods for purging tension without the help of any drugs or substances.
Get Active
When stress starts to become pent up inside of our bodies, it’s important that we release it. Getting active is a great way to purge your stress naturally and feel more positive. Whether you go for a brisk walk, dance around your living room, or even clean your floors, engaging in something that gets your body moving will almost immediately release pent-up anxiety. Not to mention, it’s good for you physically as well as mentally! An active lifestyle is a critical part of your overall well-being.
Get Out Into Nature
If you live in a big city, you may have forgotten the healing powers of nature. Something as simple as taking a walk outside can do a world of good for your mental well-being. The sights and sounds and smells of nature can bring us back to our primal self, and provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Create a Routine
Believe it or not, as much as you might love a little spontaneity and excitement in your life, humans thrive off of routine. A relaxing routine is a great way to signal to your brain every day that it’s time to get into a calm state of mind and forget all your worries for a moment.
For some people, a calming routine is enjoying a cup of coffee as the sun rises while listening to soothing music, while for others it’s taking a bath in the evenings. Create a routine that makes you feel calm and soothed, and try to stick to it on a daily basis.
Your mind is like a muscle—the more you train it to embrace a calm state of mind, the more it will start to accept this way of existing as the norm.
Practice Deep Breathing
Whenever you start to feel your stress levels rising, embrace the power of deep breathing. Deep breathing will naturally lower your cortisol levels, as well as your heart rate. It’s as simple as breathing in while expanding your stomach, and exhaling through your mouth. Do this several times during moments of high tension, and you’ll immediately feel relieved.
Try Yoga
Yoga is one of the most widely practiced natural stress-relieving techniques for a good reason, it works! Whether you choose to practice in the privacy of your own home or take a class and a private studio you’ll still experience the stress-relieving benefits that yoga has to offer, while also reaping the physical benefits like a strengthened core.
