“Lowering stress naturally begins with returning the body to safety through simple rhythms like breath, rest, and presence.”

Stress is remarkably damaging to our mental and physical health, it is even damaging to our bodies. You know that saying “Stress eats you” well, in a way it is kind of true. Stress effects the gut in a huge and damaging way and emotions can store in our body and manifest into disease. Even though we know how serious it is, most of us can’t seem to find an effective way to get rid of it (or at least reduce it). Take notice next time you are stressed, listen to your body, how is it feeling? How is it functioning?

Here are six all-natural, healthy, and highly effective ways to reduce chronic stress in your life.

Movement
You’ve probably heard this one before, but movement (AKA exercise) is a marvelous stress reliever. Moving the body releases endorphins, which are natural compounds in your body that reduce stress and pain. You don’t have to do strenuous or intense workouts to experience this benefit. Try to be physically active every day, whether it is a brisk walk in the sunshine, swimming, or weightlifting at the gym. You might be surprised at how good it makes you feel. Getting the body moving is also a great way to do some deep breathing. Doing some big belly breaths gets some good oxygen into the body and can help to calm the body and decrease the stress.

1. Natural Adaptogen Supplements
   Adaptogen supplements are natural herbs that help your body adapt to stressors in your environment. A common adaptogen is Ashwagandha. Although the stress response might feel as though it’s limited to your mind, your entire body responds to stress. Your heart rate and blood pressure increase, you might have difficulty focusing, and you start breathing rapidly. Adaptogens help calm the nervous system down and are completely natural. Our mind is our biggest controller, when you learn to control your mind, you learn to see and understand things differently. Instead of asking ” Why me” you can maybe ask ” what can I learn from this” or ” what is this teaching me”.

2. Take some time out – Because you are worth it!
   Although life can get overwhelmingly busy, don’t forget about yourself. Scheduling in “me time” is just as important as that business meeting or lunch with friends. Take time at least once a week (or as often as your schedule allows) to relax and do things that calm you down. Read a book, have a bath, meditate, get grounded in the garden or watch a funny movie, and don’t cancel on yourself!

3. Get Enough Good-quality Sleep
   I can’t stress how important getting enough sleep is for your overall
   wellbeing. Getting enough quality sleep is proven to reduce feelings of
   anxiety and stress significantly. You probably know how irritated, frustrated, and upset you can get when you feel exhausted and haven’t slept enough. During sleep is when our bodies rest and repairs itself. Make sure you’re getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

4. Eat Healthy, Whole Foods
   The foods you eat can have a tremendous impact on your stress levels both positive and negative. If you eat processed, sugary junk foods, you will notice that your feelings of stress will only get worse. A diet full of real, nutrient-dense, whole foods can counteract the damaging effects of stress on your body and can help you feel significantly better. Healthy fats (especially omega-3 fatty acids) found in salmon, avocado, nuts, and seeds can help regulate levels of cortisol, your stress hormone.

5. Calming Essential Oils
   Essential oils are powerful and natural remedies for numerous health
   problems, from indigestion to stress. Lavender essential oil is well-known for its calming properties. You can put this oil in an aromatherapy diffuser or apply it topically to help you relieve stress and sleep better. Rose oil is also a powerful calming oil that can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. However, be careful as essential oils are very potent, and you don’t want to use too much.

“The nervous system softens when we slow down enough to listen, not everything needs to be fixed, only felt and supported.”