Natural Remedies to Relieve Stress
Unless you have mastered the art of detachment from the physical world, you probably experience stress on a weekly or daily basis. Avoiding it is incredibly difficult, as is reacting without anxiety to difficult situations. In many cases, the best thing we can do is manage stress when it occurs, or we run the risk of suffering from a wide range of illnesses. Though some people rely on pharmaceutical products to deal with stress, such products come with side effects and various risk factors, so natural stress relievers are recommended. Let’s examine some of the most popular choices.
1. Herbal teas
Herbal teas have been used for thousands of years to calm nerves and promote healthy sleep. Some of the most common herbs used nowadays include chamomile, mint, and Saint-John’s-wort. Chamomile in particular has been proven to reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone of stress response. Additionally, green tea contains theanine, an amino acid known to promote calmness.
2. Organic hemp oil
Organic hemp oil is a product that has become popular fairly recently, and is valued for its ability to reduce anxiety and deal with panic attacks. It is typically extracted from the leaves and flowers of hemp, and does not have sufficient levels of the chemical THC to provide a “high”. This oil comes in many different forms, including liquid, cream, capsule, and spray, so it can be applied in different ways.
3. Cuddling with pets
Sometimes, all it takes to relax and let go of your negative emotions is some quality time spent with pets. Animals like cats, dogs, and horses offer love and companionship, while other types are just great to be around. Even if you are interacting with animals that do not visibly show affection (like snakes, lizards, insects, etc.), the time you spend caring for them and observing them can take your mind off stressful topics and calm you down.
4. Writing
Stress often occurs as a result of an inability to solve a problem or respond to it in the way you want. Writing can help you manage it because it takes you to your own little world, where you can list all of your grievances and thoughts, create scenarios where the issue you faced was resolved differently, or even create characters that dish out revenge on those who wronged you. Once you start writing and the outside world temporarily falls away, the process can become very cathartic.
5. Scents and smells
There are several extracts whose smell alone has a soothing effect on the nerves, and they include lavender and incense. Lavender is great when added to bathwater (just a few drops), while incense is usually burned and used for spiritual purposes. This kind of treatment is often called aromatherapy.
6. Useful roots
Speaking of extracts, several roots can be turned into stress-relieving products. Chief among them are valerian root and kava, which are widely available in most herbal markets. Apart from treating anxiety, they are also known for encouraging healthy sleep and helping counteract insomnia and various sleeping disorders.
