It feels like stress has become inevitable in the hustle and bustle of modern society. But it doesn’t have to be something you just accept as part of your day-to-day life. Instead, you can take control over the way stress affects you and your body by exploring natural remedies for stress relief. Nurturing both your mind and body is the best way to give yourself permission to take the time to recharge and rejuvenate, allowing you to combat the effects of stress and reclaim an optimum level of wellbeing.

1. Taking a Natural Approach to Stress Relief

When it comes to relieving stress, one of the best ways is to take a natural approach. There are many benefits of this kind of stress relief, from making your body feel stronger to calming your mind.

• Exercise: Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve overall health. It can also help increase your energy levels and promote better sleep. Try to get at least 20-30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
• Herbal remedies: Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Some of the most popular herbs for relieving stress include lavender, chamomile, and passionflower.
• Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and guided imagery can help you manage stress levels. Taking the time to focus on your breath and check in with your body can reduce the physical and mental effects of stress.
• Time outdoors: Getting outside and connecting with nature can be a great way to reduce stress and increase your mood. Taking a walk, riding a bike, gardening, or even just sitting on a bench can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Take the time to find what works for you. Maybe it’s yoga or taking a few minutes out of your day to watch a sunrise. Making a few small changes can make a big difference when it comes to reducing stress and increasing your overall well-being.

Finding a natural approach to managing stress can be beneficial in the long run. Not all stress can be avoided, but there are techniques that you can use to manage it and make sure it doesn’t take over your life.

2. Cultivating Mental and Physical Calm

Learning to cultivate mental and physical calm is an essential part of wellness. With thoughtful practice, you can manage feelings of stress and develop peace of mind throughout your day.

A helpful way to create inner calm is to engage the senses. Take a few moments to pay attention to the world around you. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of your environment. When worries arise, focus on what is happening in the moment and your senses can act as an anchor for your mind.

You can also bring physical calm to your body. Connect with your breath, inhaling for a count of five and exhaling for a count of five. This simple act of paying attention to your body can dispel anxious thoughts. You can also seek out activities that bring relaxation: yoga, massage, a walk in nature, or a soothing hot bath.

For further relaxation, practice mindfulness. Throughout the day, identify moments of gratitude and bask in their beauty. Spend time with friends or loved ones and share them your appreciation. Listen to a calming podcast or take a few minutes to journal. Tune-in to the small moments of joy and bask in the present moment.

• Engage Your Senses: Notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of your environment.
• Connect With Your Breath: Inhale for a count of five and exhale for a count of five.
• Choose Relaxing Activities: Yoga, massage, a walk in nature, or a soothing hot bath.
• Practice Mindfulness: Identify moments of gratitude, listen to a calming podcast, or just journal.

3. The Power of Plants – Herbal Stress Solutions

The health benefits of plants have long been known. From the age-old remedies made from herbal ingredients, to the modern research confirming their medicinal potential, using herbs and plants as medicine is still widely accepted today.

It’s no surprise then that numerous herbs have been used for centuries to reduce stress. Whether to ease anxiety, improve sleep, or brighten moods, nature provides plenty of options to help us weather life’s pressures.

• Lemon balm: Often referred to as “the calming herb,” lemon balm can have a mild sedative effect when consumed. It has been used historically to reduce stress and improve cognition. Lemon balm has also been shown to reduce anxiety levels.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is well known for its calming and sleep-promoting effects. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing stress levels and improving sleep quality.
• Ashwagandha: Considered one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is often used to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mental health. It has been found to reduce cortisol levels and boost mood.
• Lavender: Lavender has a long history as an herbal remedy for stress-related conditions. The essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and stress. It has even been shown to improve sleep quality.

Whether through aromatherapy, herbal teas, tinctures, or supplements, herbs and plants provide a powerful and natural way to help us reduce stress. While no one solution will work for everyone, exploring the many herbal remedies available can offer a valuable and accessible form of stress relief.

4. Experiencing Mindful Moments for Peaceful Relief

• Observe, Not Judge – Mindful moments work best when they’re approached with an attitude of curiosity rather than judgement. Pause and observe your thoughts and feelings without passing any judgemental comments on them. This is easier said than done; however, with a little practice, it can create positive results.
• Breathe Through It – One tool that those who practice mindfulness swear by is the practice of deep-breathing. This helps calm your physical and mental body and can provide relief during times of stress or fear. Focus on your breath, and allow the sensations to calm your nerves and give you that sense of serenity.
• Be in the Moment – One of the keys to mindful moments is living in your present reality. Rather than focusing on the future or ruminating in the past, be in the moment you’re in right now. Allow yourself to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes in front of you. Feel your feet grounding with the earth.
• Let Go – Mindful moments are about finding a way to release your worries and troubles for a moment and let yourself be in the present. Feel the thoughts passing through you without allowing them to overwhelm you. This can give you a sense of relief that is always available, even in difficult moments.

Achieving mindful moments is much like Miracle Gro for your mental health; it can help you take control of your worries and emotions. When you are able to stop yourself from worrying about the future or feeling anxious about the past, your mind can relax into a more peaceful state. Even if it is just for a few moments, it can still bring a great deal of relief.

To start experiencing mindful moments for relief, it is key to understand that judgment is the enemy of mindful moments. Feeling judgmental thoughts come up is quite common, so it is imperative to approach the process of mindfulness without judgement. Whenever a judgement creeps in, observe it, then just come back to the present moment.

One of the most powerful tools for mindful moments is conscious breathing. During times of stress, it can be helpful to turn inward and pay attention to the in and out of your breath. Bring yourself back to your breath when you are feeling overwhelmed. Along with conscious breathing, try to observe your environment without letting your thoughts become a cloud over the experience. Experience the feelings of being in the moment, too.

Mindfulness can be the key to finding a sense of peace and calm during tough times. Occasionally, it is helpful to take a mindful moment to free yourself from past and future worries. It gives you a moment to Truly observe your mental and physical states, take a few deep breaths, and accept that feeling of relief.

If natural remedies for stress relief sound like the right approach for you, no matter what your current situation might be, know that your mind and body can always be nurtured. Take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself – comfort comes in many different forms.