Always Stressed? Relief is Near

I don’t like to hear that you’re stressed. Even if you don’t see it or believe it, I can see it in your face when you come to see me. If I had a magic wand… I would take it all away. I know what bad it can do. For your health and your happiness, relaxation is key.

So here are 8 natural relievers of that bad we call stress:

1. Exercise and yoga. Two minutes of light exercise (when physician approved) can work magic indeed. Yes, two minutes, several times per day. That endorphin kick is your body’s built-in painkillers and mood-lifters, making the world a better place.
2. Meditation and devotional prayer. They help you deal with worry, anxiety and find peace of mind, in as little as 10-15 minutes. Everyone can fit that in!
3. Acupuncture. If you have chronic stress, someone inserting needles into your body will put things right back into perspective! Haha, just kidding. Many of my patients have been surprised how pain-free acupuncture is, and how quickly it puts you back into your natural state of calm. Believe, I promise, it works.
4. Nutrient density. Stress eats up nutrients, and those nutrients are stress-busters! Eat B vitamins, foods high in calcium and magnesium like leafy green veggies, beans/legumes, avocados, broccoli and nuts. Aim to fuel your stressed body with plenty of healthy fats and omega 3 fatty acids, using wild-caught salmon, sardines, coconut oil, avocado and olive oil.
5. Time in nature and being social: We spend too much time in front of screens and too little time in the woods. Pick up your phone and organize to (safely) meet with loved ones and acquaintances. Yes, real people in front of you! And then go for a walk with them in nature. Stroll, chat, while staying safe.
6. Journal: Get all that stress down on paper, then burn it, if you want to. Off-load. Get it all out. You could even express your feelings in color if you want to. Expression is the first step to healing and release.
7. Herbs and essential oils. They have been shown to reduce the effects that stress and cortisol, the stress hormone, have on your body. Try adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng, ashwagandha, maca, rhodiola, holy basil and cacao. Check out the essential oils of lavender, myrrh, bergamot and frankincense.
8. Cognitive behavioral therapy or talk therapies. Use RTT, CBT, and other therapeutic practices to weed out the root of that stress while you chat to a trusted professional. Reaching out for help makes you stronger because it will allow you to fight stress and win.