8 Easy Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Although stress and anxiety can arise gradually due to work pressure or problems in personal life, there are many ways to reduce it and without resorting to any medication. These tips generally involve taking your mind off the source of stress and channeling those feelings into other activities.

Stress and anxiety are common experiences for most people. In fact, 70% of adults in the United States report feeling stressed or anxious on a daily basis. The good thing is, there are non-medicine treatment options available to treat depression.

Here are some natural ways to control stress and anxiety:

Learn To Avoid Procrastination

Another way to manage your stress is to stay on top of your priorities and stop procrastinating. Procrastination can lead you to act reactively. This can cause stress, which negatively affects your health and quality of sleep.

Get in the habit of making a priority to-do list. Set realistic deadlines and move forward on the list. Get to work on the things you need to get done and without any interruption, as switching between tasks or multitasking can be stressful in and of itself.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to combat stress. It may seem counterintuitive, but putting physical stress on your body through exercise can ease mental stress. The benefits are strongest when you exercise regularly.

People who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who do not exercise, according to studies. Activities, such as walking or jogging, that involve repetitive movements of large groups of muscles can especially relieve stress.

Laugh

It's said that laughter is the best medicine. It is good for your health and there are some ways it can help relieve stress, such as eliminating tension by relaxing your muscles.

In the long-term, laughter can also help boost your immune system and your mood. A study from the Indiana State University School of Nursing in the United States among people with cancer found that people in the laughing intervention group experienced more stress relief than those who were simply distracted.

Light A Candle

Aromatic oils and candles help reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety. Some aromas are especially calming. Here are some of the most calming scents:

*Lavender

*Rose

*Bergamot

*Chamomile

*Sandalwood

*Orange blossom 

*Geranium

Using scents to treat your mood is called aromatherapy. Several studies, such as that from Wonkwang University in the Republic of Korea, show that aromatherapy can decrease anxiety and improve sleep.

Cut Down On Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. High doses can increase anxiety. People have different tolerance thresholds for the amount of caffeine. If you find that caffeine makes you nervous or anxious, consider cutting back.

Although many studies show that coffee can be healthy in moderation, it is not for everyone. In general, five or fewer cups a day is considered a moderate amount.

Chew Gum

For super quick and easy stress relief, try chewing some gum. A study from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Cardiff, UK, showed that people who chewed gum had a greater sense of well-being and less stress.

One possible explanation is that chewing gum triggers brain waves similar to those of relaxed people. Another is that chewing gum promotes blood flow to the brain. Additionally, other recent research found that stress relief was greater when people chewed harder.

Listen To Relaxing Music

Listening to music can have a very relaxing effect on the body. Slow-paced instrumental music can induce the relaxation response by helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as stress hormones.

Some types of classical, Celtic, Native American, and Indian music can be particularly relaxing, but simply listening to the music you enjoy is also effective, according to studies from Shanghai Normal University, China. The sounds of nature can also be very calming. That is why they are often incorporated into relaxation and meditation music.

Spend Time With A Pet

Having a pet can help reduce stress and improve mood. Interaction with pets can help release oxytocin, a brain chemical that promotes positive mood, according to research published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2012.

Owning a pet can also help relieve stress by giving it purpose, keeping it active, and providing company - all qualities that help reduce anxiety.

Bottom Line

If none of the above lifestyle changes help then it’s better to seek medical assistance to treat your depression sooner than later. There are many alternative treatment options available and you do not always have to take medications.

For instance, TMS is an advanced FDA-approved therapy for depression. It involves activating the natural function of the brain’s neurotransmitters using a non-invasive magnetic field. Please discuss it with your provider for more information.