Natural Approaches to Relaxation for Everyday Stress
Do you ever feel like your body doesn’t know the difference between being held hostage and receiving an email? You’re not alone.
Here’s the thing: stress is a natural bodily response. Our ancestors developed it as a way to protect themselves from danger and other threats. But prolonged stress can lead to a myriad of physical and emotional setbacks. When your body is constantly flooded with stress hormones, it gets stuck in a fight-or-flight position, which eventually starts interfering with your ability to live a normal life.
Let’s help prevent that. Here are some natural approaches you can take to relax and release stress after a long day.
Deep Breathing and Meditation
It might sound a bit repetitive, but meditation is one of the best ways to calm your overstimulated nervous system. Meditation is a research-backed stress-reduction technique and is even recommended as part of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Meditating involves directing all your attention to a single point, such as your breath, a sound, an image, or a repeated word (mantra). This can help you manage negative thoughts and a sense of dread. Doing deep breathing, even for short periods, can help boost your mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Did you know people who follow a diet high in ultra-processed foods are more likely to experience stress? Eating a balanced diet is a preventive measure to keep stress and anxiety at bay.
If you don’t eat enough nutrient-dense whole foods, your body experiences deficiencies in nutrients. For instance, magnesium and B vitamins are responsible for regulating mood. Include fruits, fish, nuts and seeds.
Cannabis seeds are also recommended. High-quality cannabis seeds are packed with essential nutrients and are often considered a complete protein source. Buy cannabis seeds from reputable online sellers such as Humboldt Seed Company.
Spend Time in Nature
Another effective way to manage everyday stress is spending time in nature. Research shows that exposure to nature can induce physiological changes. This means lowered stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone. According to a recent study, participants who spent just 20 to 30 minutes in nature experienced a notable drop in cortisol levels.
Physical activity in nature, such as cycling, jogging, or hiking, can release endorphins, commonly known as the feel-good hormones. Sunlight exposure helps boost vitamin D levels, regulating mood and overall well-being.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
This is such underrated advice. Having a social support system can have numerous positive benefits for your overall mental health. If you have friends and family to depend on, spend time with them. It will help you unwind after a long day.
Research suggests that even hugging a loved one can stimulate the release of oxytocin, which scientists sometimes call the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin reduces the stress hormone norepinephrine.
Get Adequate Sleep
Lastly, getting adequate sleep every day can help lower stress levels throughout the day. Avoid excessive screen time and caffeine before going to bed. Get at least 7 hours of sleep every day. Creating a calming nighttime routine like dimming the lights or reading can also signal your body that it’s time to wind down. Over time, these small habits can greatly improve your overall mood and energy.
Conclusion
Stress may be an unavoidable part of modern life, but it doesn’t have to control the way you feel each day. By embracing simple, natural habits like mindful breathing, nourishing foods, time outdoors, meaningful connections, and consistent sleep you give your body and mind the chance to reset. These practices work together to calm your nervous system, restore balance, and help you feel more grounded. With small, intentional choices, you can break the cycle of constant tension and create a healthier, more peaceful rhythm for yourself.
