If you live on planet earth in the year 2016, there is no doubt you are experiencing some kind of stress. Unless you are the Dalai Lama or Eckhart Tolle or someone like that, which I’m guessing you’re not, you have definitely experienced some form of stress in the past 24 hours. Stress comes in many forms and can be brought upon by many means. There’s physically induced stressed, chemically induced stress and of course, the most common, psychologically induced stress. Luckily there are some things you can do to get your stress level way down, here’s how to do it.
Meditation
You KNEW this one was coming. Why does everyone talk about meditation? It’s because it works. Meditation shows you what it’s like to be completely, one hundred percent relaxed. Once you’ve experienced this kind of relaxation, you really start realizing when you’re stressed and will know how to get into that relaxed state. It teaches the mind to calm down. It’s honestly the best thing you could ever do for yourself and your stress levels.
Adaptogens
Adapto-what? There are certain herbs that can help you handle stress. Think of it as support for your adrenal glands. When you’re under stress, your adrenal glands pump cortisol into your body to keep you going. If it pumps too much, you will experience burnout. By taking adaptogens, you are tonifying your adrenals and helping your body “get through” the day. Use any combination of rhodiola, holy basil, schizandra berry or ashwaganda.
Bear down
Did you know that when you cry, you are relieving stress? Same with pooping and laughing. The last two sound more fun, don’t they…When you “bear down” your stomach muscles are flexing. This has a relaxing effect on the body. Laughing is the best way to do this. Remember how happy you felt last time you laughed REALLY hard? That’s because your stomach muscles, which are often tight, are being released. It feels so good and you will really feel the good tinglies all over your body.
Exercise
I don’t think I have to explain this one…Exercise is an awesome stress reliever. It gets you blood going all over your body and releases endorphins in your brain. Get at least twenty minutes of sweating, four times per week and you will notice a huge difference. Sex also falls under this category. Having sex before 11pm is optimal as to not cut into your sleep (another stress reducer).
Be creative
Do you have something you really like to do? Do you like to paint? Build things? Cook? Whatever it is that makes you happy, do it. Being creative is almost like a form of meditation. It takes you out of your head and puts you in the present moment where everything is serene. Make some time for yourself to do that thing that you absolutely love to do. You will be much happier and stress free in the long run.
