Stress has become a part of our lives mainly because of the lifestyle that we lead. Our lifestyle is far from healthy because we indulge in too many activities at a given time that our body cannot handle. When we are stressed, the body reacts as if we are in danger; the heart beats faster and certain hormones are produced by the body that gives extra energy to the body. Mild stress is alright for the body and even normal. However if one is stresses for too long, it might have bad effects on the body. Stress can be a leading cause of weak immune system, stomach upsets, headaches, back pain and even insomnia. Thus, it is important to manage stress so that it does not adversely affect the health in any manner.

There are many stress relieving medications that are available but it has been found out that these medicines do have adverse health effects and one can even get addicted to these medicines. The best way of stress management is the natural way. There are many natural remedies that one can try to relieve stress is a healthy manner without worrying about any health issues.

Natural Stress Management Tips

• Meditation for 20-30 minutes every day can help to manage and even relieve stress. Meditation does not require anything just a silent place where a person can relax with closed eyes and let thoughts run free or just focus on breathing. Meditation has been proven to be one of the most successful stress busters.
• Massage has been used as a stress reliever for hundreds of years. Massage opens the blocked energy channels in the body to improve health. It is perhaps the best way to relax tense muscles, relieve pain and improve circulation all of which help in managing and relieving stress to a great extent.

• Yoga and exercise are great natural stress busters. Yoga and exercising release endorphins in the brain which are hormones that improve the mood thereby making a person happier and free from stress. In addition, yoga and exercising help one to stay healthier and free from diseases which further help a person to stay stress free.

• Eating healthy food can help to manage and relieve stress. Studies have proved that junk food can actually add to a person’s depression and stress. Healthy foods can improve one’s mood and give energy to tackle everything. Stress busting foods like almonds, blueberries and salmon must be included in the diet. These stress busting foods help the body produce hormones that relieve stress. To relieve stress, the intake of coffee must be reduced. This is because coffee contains caffeine that makes one jitter and anxious increasing the stress levels in the body.
• Including B vitamins in the diet can help to manage stress. Vitamins B help in the proper functioning of the brain as well as the nervous system. B vitamins also induce relaxation and fight fatigue helping one to feel more relaxed. Studies have shown that a deficiency of B vitamins lead to apathy, depression and stress. One can include vitamin B rich foods in the diet like beans, peas, nuts, eggs, liver etc. or take vitamin B supplements to manage and relieve stress.

• Aromatherapy is another age old stress management remedy. Inhaling certain scents has an immediate stress relieving effect on the body. The smells basically stimulate the limbic system which in turn releases chemicals that affect the brain, raise the mood and promote feelings of calmness, relaxation, love and excitement. Some commonly used oils in aromatherapy for relieving stress include lavender oil, passionflower, rosemary oil and cypress oil.

• Getting enough sleep is the best natural remedy to get over stress. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can leave one irritable and stressed; while too much sleep can leave one sluggish and depressed. So, a balance needs to be maintained for sleep time as well. On an average eight hour sleep is ideal to help the mind and body to rejuvenate and remain stress free.
• Reflexology is another way of busting stress the natural way. Reflexology basically involves applying pressure at certain points in the body to ease out stress. The best thing is to massage the base of the toes that release endorphins in the body that relieves stress by helping one to relax.