The 5 holistic remedies you need to try
If you’ve been running behind a bus, lost patience due to your internet connection or struggled to catch deadlines for work and social life, then you know what stress is. The truth is that being stressed (little or a lot) happens to everyone, every day. The good news is that studies show that knowing how to reduce stress on a daily basis helps fight it. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the most effective holisitc techniques and methods to destress after a long and stressful day.
- Take a deep breath
We all know, but how often do we actually do it? Breathing deeply is one of the simplest ways to fight stress out there, and it’s also one of the most effective when we remember to do it. Stress leads to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and five minutes of breathing can slow both. Close your eyes, place your hands on your stomach, take a deep breath and then slowly exhale.
Improve your relaxation techniques by trying the 4-7-8 system:
Exhale through your mouth
Close your mouth and inhale through your nose for a count of four
Hold your breath for seven seconds
Breathe out fully through your mouth for a count of eight
Repeat this breathing cycle three times for an instant feeling of relaxation.
2. Become aware of your body with a body scan meditation
After completing five minutes of breathing, you can shift your attention to your body with a body scan meditation. Due to stress, the muscles tend to be more tense and taking some time to relax each part of the body can help combat stress and also relax the mind. So how to eliminate stress by focusing on the body?
Focus your energies from head to toe (or vice versa)
Keep each muscle under tension for 5 seconds
Relax for 30 seconds
Concentrate on another part of the body
If you need to handle a specific situation or challenge in your life that is causing you stress and discomfort you might be want to give a guided meditation for that specific goal a try.
3. Try aromatherapy
When you are stressed, all you need to know is how to relieve stress quickly and effectively. One of the relaxation methods with almost immediate relief is aromatherapy, whose oils have been used for thousands of years for their health and mood benefits. In fact, it is believed that essential oils, such as lavender, bergamot, peppermint and chamomile, have relaxing properties when used for massages or while inhaling.
4. Dance!!
It might seem contradictory, but dancing decreases stress levels and helps to regain calm. The release of endorphins helps the relaxation process, so dance to your favorite song to reduce stress levels and burn some calories as well.
5. Laugh!
Laughing is truly the best medicine for fighting stress. Not only does it make us feel better, but laughter can lower the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Tell a joke, watch a comedy show, or listen to a few minutes of a funny podcast. One laugh leads to another and laughing has a tremendous impact on stress levels.
