Recent studies and statistics show that a majority of Americans are stressed out. Over 80% of the population is stressed out about inflation and supply chain challenges. But it doesn’t stop there. Almost 70% of Americans are concerned that the war in Ukraine will lead to World War three. 65% of the population worries about money and the economy. The lingering effects of COVID are also taking a toll. It’s no wonder that so many people are seeking ways to ease stress naturally.
Stay active
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Exercise, even for short periods of time, can help to relieve stress. When we do something as simple as walking or stretching, endorphins are released. The release of endorphins elevates our mood and is a natural stress reliever. Many also find that exercise helps to clear the mind and reframe challenges. Aside from the many obvious health benefits, exercise is an excellent way to ease stress naturally.
Watch a sitcom
It is impossible to be stressed and laugh at the same time. Laughter naturally reduces cortisol levels in the body, the hormones that cause stress. Laughing relieves stress and improves your mood. This is why so many people watch sitcoms before going to bed. It clears their mind and helps them to fall asleep.
Relax and relieve stress with hypnosis
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Countless scientific studies show the benefits of hypnotherapy in treating stress and anxiety. Hypnosis is effective because it naturally relaxes the patient and changes how they perceive the challenges they face. Hypnotic trance is induced by following the instructions of the practitioner. Relaxed breathing, guided imagery, and techniques that overload the analytical mind help patients drop into trance.
Once the hypnotic state is achieved, the hypnotherapist can direct the unconscious mind to reduce stress, release fears, and see the world in a more positive light. The mind is trained to avoid negative thoughts and focus on the present moment. Hypnotherapy is also helpful in treating anxiety and insomnia. In addition, weight loss hypnosis is extremely effective. To learn about hypnosis for weight loss and how to stop stress eating, please visit https://www.tryhypnosisnow.com/lose-weight-hypnosis-nyc/
Take care of your body
How we fuel our body also impacts our stress levels. Scientific studies show that stress levels increase when we eat processed foods and foods that have a lot of added sugars. Stress can cause us to overeat, and overeating can make us stressed. It is a vicious cycle that needs to be broken. By fueling our bodies with nutritious food, we can break the cycle.
Get a good night’s rest
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Not getting a good night’s rest can cause us to be irritable. When we’re irritable we are more likely to be triggered by our day-to-day challenges. A good night’s sleep helps us to wake up rested and refreshed. Limit phone use at night and stick to a work schedule that ends at least 3 hours before bedtime. By avoiding caffeine late in the day, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, we can sleep restfully through the night.
Do what you enjoy
There are certain things that bring us joy. For some people it might be dancing, while for others it might be taking a walk in nature. Many people will notice a change in their mood when they play with their dog or cat. Others may enjoy taking in a great movie or getting a massage. When you do what you enjoy you relieve stress naturally. Schedule time for yourself to take a break.
Connect with others
Simply talking to a friend can elevate your mood and ease stress. Consider reconnecting with an old friend or family member. It’s never too late to rekindle a relationship. It doesn’t have to be in person. A phone call is just as effective. Whether it’s in person or on the phone, connecting with others can help to reduce stress.
Start a new hobby
Hobbies provide a healthy distraction to the stressors of life. Something as simple as joining a book club or picking up crocheting will give you something new to focus on. This new focus or interest will ease stress and improve your mood. It does not matter if the hobby is done alone or with others. So long as you enjoy it, you will experience the health benefits.
Get away
We all need to take a break from time to time. A vacation or getaway can stimulate us in healthy ways. A new environment to explore or revisit does wonders for your health and your mood. Traveling prompts us to do things we would not normally do. Whether it’s sightseeing, laying on the beach, trying new food, or meeting new people, travel recharges us physically and emotionally. These experiences naturally relieve stress.
Be more mindful
We all tend to get caught up in our day-to-day lives. How often do we take the time to think about what we are grateful for? By being present and acknowledging what we have, we can limit negative stressful thoughts. Take time each day to write down what you are thankful for. Be mindful of the things we tend to ignore, like nature. By practicing mindfulness, we not only release stress, but we tend to be happier.
Hug a loved one
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Physical contact has been proven to lower heart rate, cortisol, and blood pressure, which is why it relieves stress. Intimacy in any form has many health benefits. When you hug a romantic partner, a friend, or a family member, you improve your mood and ease stress. Try hugging or cuddling and see the benefits for yourself.
Limit or avoid caffeine
Everyone responds to caffeine differently. While caffeine is healthy in moderation, it does impact your nervous system. For some people, coffee can cause stress and anxiety. In some cases, caffeine can cause sleep issues. Those who feel anxious after having a coffee or tea should consider a decaffeinated alternative.
As you consider what you have just read, ask yourself what you would be willing to do to feel better. Some of the suggestions will fit better into your lifestyle than others. Use your imagination and try a few of these ideas to see how you respond to them. As you reap the rewards of feeling calm and balanced, you’ll be more likely to try other things.
