After a long day at work, we usually spend much of our time decompressing and relieving our stress. There’s nothing as satisfying as sitting back and relaxing as a means of relieving stress. But contrary to what most people think, stress isn’t entirely a bad thing. Stress is our body’s natural response to external stimuli and can help us adapt to different changes in our environment. But when we are exposed to too much stress, this can be unhealthy in the long run.
There are times when individuals resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms when placed in stressful situations. For instance, many individuals often resort to binge-eating their favorite comfort food if they are worried or stressed. While eating can help provide sustenance to the body, many types of comfort food are jam-packed with sugar, salt, and cholesterol that can cause health complications in the long term.
Fortunately, there are various ways to relieve stress without having to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms. So what are some ways of removing stress while still living a healthy lifestyle? Here’s what you need to know.
Aromatherapy Is Key
One of the most effective ways of relieving stress comes in aromatherapy. Our sense of smell has a strong influence on our mood and how we think. In fact, some studies suggest that the sense of smell is directly linked to mood and memory. That said, you might want to make your home smell good if you want to destress naturally.
Fortunately, you won’t have to use synthetic diffusers that might irritate your nose since there are many natural substitutes. Not quite sure what you should be getting? You can use candles made from soy wax and scented with essential oils that give your home a soothing fragrance. Not only does this help with stress relief, but this has a myriad of health benefits.
Follow a Natural Diet
Another effective strategy that can help with stress relief is by substituting junk food with more natural sources. Although many types of “comfort” food can satisfy your cravings, this can inadvertently cause problems in the long run. Fortunately, many herbal alternatives can help with stress.
Here are some healthier substitutes that can help with stress relief:
- Tea — Probably one of the most effective drinks that can help with stress comes in tea. This is one of the most consumed beverages around the world, after coffee. Compared to coffee that contains high amounts of caffeine, tea is more balanced and is great for concentration. Certain types of tea, like chamomile, are filled with chemicals that can help with stress and have many soothing effects.
- Ginseng — In many Asian cultures, ginseng is prized for being one of the most effective herbs to relieve stress. Not only does this help with stress, but it can also an individual’s energy levels. Certain types of medications, drinks, and beverages usually have ginseng as the main ingredient.
- Citrus fruits — Many fruits are packed with vitamin C. Probably one of the most popular fruits high in vitamin C content is oranges, lemons, and lime. Aside from boosting our immune system, vitamin C can help with our body’s metabolism. Certain studies have found connections between vitamin C and helping against stress-related disorders. That said, you can eat oranges as a snack or brew them as tea.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Another way to keep your body in a healthy condition to take on the day is by keeping it hydrated. You don’t need to drink fancy sports energy drinks when a cold glass of water can already keep much of your body in a functional condition. Although water does not have any nutritional values or calories like any other “healthy” drink and food out there, it’s still an essential part of our diet.
Contrary to what most people believe in, your brain does not confuse thirst and hunger since both have completely different bodily functions. In fact, studies have shown that the only connection between both feelings is between the volume of the stomach and satiation. This study shows that when your stomach is full, that internal pressure increases. Certain receptors in the stomach can stop feelings of craving.
That said, you can drink as much water as you need to without feeling guilty. This is a great substitute for drinking energy drinks that are jam-packed with calories or alcoholic beverages that might cause health problems in the long run.
Whether we’re more accustomed to living in a stressful environment or not, it is a part of our lives. Stress has always been a natural response of the body towards external stimuli and is integral to performing daily tasks. Instead of binge eating junk food and using unhealthy coping mechanisms when you feel stressed, turning towards more natural remedies is a tried-and-tested way of relieving stress.
If you feel high stress levels throughout much of the day, even after taking medication and natural remedies, you might want to consult with a medical professional. Having unnaturally high levels of stress might be a sign of underlying health conditions.
