8 Tips How Can I Reduce Stress Naturally?

By Emily Bartels

According to research by World Health Organization 300 million people today suffer from depression and anxiety on a global basis. Now, the building block of these ailments is the inability to reduce stress.

Nevertheless, stress is a paradox by nature; differing from person to person, it can affect people depending on the situation and the person’s ability to deal with a condition.

What Happens During Stress?

Stress basically causes a series of psychological, physiological, hormonal and respiratory changes which can at times affect the human body adversely.

For example, during the flight and fight response, the heart beats start beating faster. This is due to the body being under acute stress. Now, stress is of two types, the good stress and the bad stress. The good stress lasts for a few minutes and it occurs during a time of excitement and jubilation.

However, the bad stress results in several ailments like mental diseases, suicidal thoughts, cognitive malfunctioning, heart disorders, diabetes, coronarydiseases and liver diseases and in certain cases even cancer. The causes of bad stress may differ from person to person. However, certain conditions remain the same...

• Work related stress
• Bullying and low body image
• Death in a family
• Losing a job
• Relationship issues
• Broken home and family problems
• Peer pressure
• Chronic illness or trauma

Moving on, How to Find out If You’re Stressed?

Well, stress shows some veritable symptoms like -

1. Headache
2. Insomnia tendencies
3. Changes in libido
4. High Blood pressure
5. Lack of motivation
6. Restlessness with anxiety
7. Chronic feeling of desolation and sadness
8. Cranky and moody behavior

Now, when these above-mentioned symptoms consume a person, he or she loses out hope and productivity reduces both at work and life. Hence, no matter what, stress is one subject that needs careful consideration to improve lifestyle and mentality.

However, the question is -

Can one reduce stress naturally?

The good news is yes, stress can be countered naturally with a few changes in lifestyle and habits.

You don’t even have to sit for long therapy sessions if you tackle the reasons for stress in its initial phases. So, let’s take a look at the following ways to combat stress naturally.

8 proven ways to deal with stress naturally

1. Go for a round of massages
   According to Traditional Chinese Medicine stress is caused in the body due to the imbalance of Qi. This occurs when the harmony between the yin and yang is disrupted.

   The key to restoring the Qi is by easing the tension in the body via massages. Massages help in releasing blocks of tension and unclogging the knots of energy stored in the body. As these are released in the blood the body becomes languid and free from stress.

   So, the next time you feel the symptoms of stress building up; book yourself an appointment with a trusted masseuse.

2. Set up a routine
   As uncanny as it sounds, not being organized can often lead to a feeling of stress. Clear up clutter, put things in palace, maintain a to-do diary, finish work beforehand, and keep time for recreation.
3. Meditate away
   Meditation involves sitting in an uptight posture to control breathing and thoughts. An affordable and easy procedure which can be introduced even in the tightest of schedules, meditation is a sure-shot way to combat stress.

   The trick is to shut out thoughts for 15-30 minutes whilst mediating. Allow the mind and body to be in harmony to alleviate stress.

4. Workout when possible
   There is a reason they say exercising leads to a long healthy life. Any one partaking in Tai Chi or Yoga can feel relaxed and get the mind and body in sync.

   Additionally, people who work out are less susceptible to harmful diseases. The reason is working out releases endorphin in the brain, which reduces stress.As, a result the chances of diseases decrease.

5. Eat wisely
   The dilemma of eating isn’t just “a moment on the lips and a lifetime on the hips.” Eating improper can also contribute to increased levels of stress. Too much of unhealthy carbohydrates, fats, saturated fats in fast foods, oily food etc. can lead to obesity and release hormones which cause stress.

   Instead, go for a diet rich in proteins, whole grains, veggies and legumes to counter stress. Additionally, reduce the intake of alcohol and caffeine.

6. More Vitamin B
   Vitamin B is known to improve the functioning of nervous system and the brain. Hence, consume food rich in vitamin E, like eggs, peas, whole grains, diary etc. Alternatively, you can consume vitamin B supplements to improve feelings of apathy, stress and depression.
7. Reduce interaction on social media
   In today’s world numerous researchers state the recurring cause for stress amongst millennials is social media.

   Social media showcases a web of lies which often lead to people thinking others are better than them. This leads to feelings of jealousy, anger, sorrow and frustration.

   Hence, limit use of cell phones and social media to reduce chances of frustration and stress.

8. Sleep
   In the era of cellphones, apps and online games and work stress, what most of you do is stop prioritization sleep.

   As a result, the body doesn't get enough time to recover and regenerate tissues and cells. This leads to improper immunity leading to stress. Hence, opt for at least 7-8 hours of sleep on a regular basis to keep the body fit.

Well, there you go, these 8 proven methods work like a miracle if you need to reduce stress. Hence, give these a try to get your life sorted once more and prevent the body from succumbing to major ailments.