Best Ways to Manage Stress Naturally

Healthful Vitality | 10/15/2021 | By NP Contributor | To Manage Stress Naturally

Most people would feel stressed out, overwhelmed with various issues from time to time. Some find it had to get rid of continuous low-level anxiety and fear. Stress may occur due to numerous reasons, from financial insecurity to traumatic events in life. Social distancing makes managing stress even more difficult.

Stress results in fatigue, mood changes, changes in interests and appetite. It may also cause sleeping disorders. Stress makes it difficult to concentrate, think and remember things. It causes the worsening of chronic health issues. Unmanaged stress may cause some severe mental health issues.

Some ways to manage stress

Generally, it is a good idea to manage stress without using medications and unnecessarily using too many supplements. Fortunately, there are many time-tested ways to manage stress effectively.

Take care of health

Stressed people have various health issues, and they must be managed before they become significant health problems. For example, most people living with stress do not exercise, engage in binge eating, and have altered sleep patterns. Thus, one should begin by making dietary changes like consuming antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Nuts are also good for managing stress.

Next, one should start exercising regularly. Generally, 30 minutes a day of exercise for five days a week may help considerably. However, 60 minutes of exercise five days a week may be more beneficial.

It is also vital to have a sufficient sleep. If one cannot sleep long enough, having a nap during the day may help.

Take a break from the news, social media, and television

It is good to stay informed. However, these days problem is just the opposite. People are over-informed. Social media sites and TV channels may even report some minute negative events happening in a faraway country. All this negative information accumulates, causing stress and depression. So, there should be a time during the day when a person is not watching, reading, or listening and not using gadgets.

Take a break

It does not necessarily mean not doing anything. It may also mean doing something different or unusual. Having a routine is good, but it may also become a source of stress. Sometimes making a sudden decision to do something different may help a lot.

Interact with others

Many people these days are just too isolated. However, humans are social animals. Thus, meeting and talking to friends, traveling with someone, visiting parents, all these activities may help considerably.

Self-talk

It may sound strange, but it may help. Quite often, meeting friends is not an option, or some issues cannot be shared with others. At such times, self-talk may help calm the nerves. In addition, positive self-suggestion could be an excellent way of boosting confidence and managing stress.

Avoid illegal drugs or alcohol

Mind-altering substances may appear to provide short-term relief. However, over the long run, they make things worse. These substances may cause severe mental changes, making people less resistant to stress or prone to making wrong decisions.

Know when to consult a professional

Regretfully, many people seek help too late. It is good to talk to a psychologist or professional counselor if you struggle to manage your problems.

(Related Article: Powerful Coping Strategies for Stress)