Stress is a part of everyday life, but that doesn’t mean we have to suffer under the massive weight it can often bring into our lives. Believe it or not, you don’t need to take medication to get your stress under control.

There are plenty of ways to manage stress naturally, so you don’t have to worry about harmful side-effects or becoming dependent on OTC or prescription drugs.

Whether you’re someone that’s suffering from anxiety, depression, or you’re just prone to being stressed out, these natural remedies will help you re-center yourself and reach a point of calm in your day.

Is Stress Really Dangerous?

We hear all the time about how stress can be “dangerous”, but is it really so bad for the body and mind? According to Healthline, stress can have numerous effects on both halves of your wholeness, from making it harder to control emotions to heart problems and much more. (The full article can be found here)

All kinds of life occurrences can stress us out. Little things like missing a phone charger or forgetting the spaghetti sauce at the store can cause stress, and bigger things like our jobs, children, and relationships can cause more than their share of stress.

Stress becomes dangerous when it starts affecting things like mood, appetite, and behavior.

People with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are particularly impacted by stress. Stress can increase the volatility of symptoms, cause erratic behavior, and make the condition seem even worse overall. When your body and mind scream “Listen to me, I’m hurting!” it’s time to listen up.

Stress Management

Learning to manage stress can not only protect both your physical and mental health, but it can also help you feel better about life in general. When stress becomes overwhelming, it can be difficult to view things through a positive lens, which can make life seem dull and grey. Life is beautiful and full of opportunities, so let’s take a look at some natural ways to manage stress so you can take control of your life and your health.

Take Up An Instrument or Other Creative Hobby

Did you know that things like art, musical instruments, and other creative hobbies make excellent stress-reducers? Creating music reduces stress by offering the brain a positive outlet for negative feelings, and giving that stressed-out mind something constructive to focus on.

An instrument can be a great way to get in tune with your emotions, as the music sometimes says what your words cannot.

Things like painting, drawing, and crafts also help reduce stress in a similar way. Sometimes, it’s just a good thing to see all of your stress channeled into a beautiful painting or crafty project. Try an instrument or some other creative hobby as a stress-reducer, and you’ll find that what was once a negative experience becomes something positive and constructive.

Exercise Daily

You knew this one was coming, right? Every guru says exercise to reduce your stress, but there’s a reason it’s one of the best medicines for stress. Getting your body moving increases blood flow to the brain and the body, and can have the following positive effects:

• Increased libido
• Improved mood & outlook
• An increase in your energy and motivation
• Reduce the risk of disease (specifically heart disease)
• Improve memory and cognitive function
• Improve the quality of your sleep
• Reduce your BMI
• Give yourself a confidence boost

All of these positive effects work hand-in-hand to help reduce your stress. The healthier your body is, the healthier your mind will be, and vice-versa. The two are endlessly connected, and what affects one can affect the other.

Spend Quality Time With Loved Ones

Remember that “high” you feel after you spend quality time with the people you love? A girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse? A grandparent? A child? You probably feel much less stressed out after spending quality time with family (at least you should!) and that’s because spending time with those you love reduces the levels of cortisol in your body (this is a stress hormone).

That means it’s time to make that trip to see grandma and grandpa or schedule some time with your wife/significant other.

The people in our lives provide vital support in times of crisis, and without them, life can seem lonely. Humans are very much social creatures, and if friends and family can help reduce stress naturally, that’s all the more reason to make time for them!

Stress is Here to Stay

People spend entire lifetimes searching for ways to completely eliminate stress, but the fact is, this isn’t possible. Stress is a necessary part of life, but it’s up to us to determine what stressors are worth dealing with and to find new and productive ways of reducing stress’s effects on our bodies and minds.