Stress is the number one factor that can make anybody’s life miserable. However, no matter how much we hate the word “stress”, so much that we associate it with negativity, the stress in one’s life is still as important (read more) as relaxation. Stress, according to many researchers and excerpts, have many benefits to the many facets of human life, such as personal growth. Of course, this can only happen when you’ve achieved the healthiest way to cope with stress.
Yes, indeed, there are healthy and toxic coping mechanisms, and most of the latter we do subconsciously. Like many people living in 2021, wanting to live a stress-free life without actually being stressed in the process is both a skill to hone and a decision to make. Therefore, here are some ways you can try to destress from a tiring week or day, the healthy way.
Set Yourself Into Motion!
Or what others refer to as exercise. However, exercise isn’t the only physically demanding activity that distresses your body. Dancing can be more fun than jogging in place or lifting weights (but still, it depends on your preference). Another way is either taking a long walk or a lengthy run. No, we don’t mean running on a treadmill, as the experience isn’t the same as running through the park.
Running or being in motion can potentially lower the rampant stress hormones in the body. These hormones, one of the popular ones being cortisol, are responsible for the tense state of your body under stress. Endorphins, which can eradicate pain and improve mood greatly (link: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm), is also secreted with the constant movement of the body. They’re known as feel-good hormones.
Watch What You Eat
Who says diet doesn’t have anything to do with stress? What you eat and how much you consume plays a great role in determining the severity, frequency, and incidence of stress in your life. If you’re eating food packed with carbs, sugar, and artificial flavors, your body’s eating junk. And when your body lives off of junk, it’s not going to secrete endorphins nor help with stress relief. In fact, it has the tendency to worsen your already tense mood.
On the other hand, healthy food and snacks can reinforce your health, and in response, your body follows through. For example, Omega-3-fatty acids have been recently linked to anti-anxiety effects, and green tea increases serotonin levels and acts as a mighty detoxifier for the body. CBD like the Cheefbotanicals Vegan gummies can also help with this. Cannabidiol is a natural anti-anxiety and anti-stress compound, and gummies are the easiest way to consume them!
Steer Clear Of Caffeine
Caffeine is often revered for being the drink that jumpstarts energy and alertness much needed in the morning. But did you know your coffee bean buddy is filled with caffeine? And caffeine is very well-known to trigger anxiety and amplify the stress experienced by the body. Instead of coffee, opt for tea or water, and the next time around, regulate your coffee intake!
Subject Your Nose To A Treat
When you enter a relaxing spa establishment, the first thing you’ll notice before anything else is the smell of the place. This smell, coming from their deliberately chosen scented candles or oils, sets up the atmosphere more than the candlelight itself. But sometimes, you can’t swing by to get a massage or a foot spa, so why not bring the entire mood into your home through some products?
However, be mindful of the scents you choose to have. Some smells have greater destressing effects than others. A few examples of the scents you should look out for:
- Valerian – Valerian scent is a well-known scented oil able to help with insomnia and stress. It has a natural sedative effect on the body that works through gradually relaxing the body and loosening tight muscles. It’s a scent often chosen by masseurs for their customers to experience a well-rested nap.
- Chamomile – This floral scent is one of the more popular ones in the form of tea. Chamomile tea is often drunk by people experiencing jitters and anxiety. It’s as effective as a scent as it is as a drink.
- Rosemary – Although rosemary is known to be a cooking herb, its scent can be used to lessen mental strain and sharply decrease cortisol levels.
Start A Journal
One of the healthiest coping mechanisms and often used in therapy is starting a journal. When keeping one, you have a potential outlet for your feelings when things get too much around work or in your own home. Writing them down will give you a sense of detachment to them afterwards, leading you to feel freer from their mental chains than before you poured out your thoughts on paper.
Some choose to keep an art journal, especially when words often fail them. Art can be another healthy outlet for one’s stress. However, regulation of how much time is spent in making art should also be considered.
Chew A Peppermint Gum
Chewing gum, according to researchers, has been observed to lower stress levels in the body and promote more blood flow to the brain. Peppermint is a spicy taste that promotes anti-anxiety and soothing effects, so why not combine both?
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Being with a positive, soothing person can positively impact someone’s mental state in mere minutes after contact. Oftentimes, these soothing persons tend to be our loved ones, persons we genuinely enjoy being around. Studies show being with someone you love (and is mentally healthy for you) spikes the amount of serotonin in your body so much it explains the phenomenon of time passing by faster than it usually does.