Top 10 Ways to Reduce Stress

Top 10 Ways to Reduce Stress.

1. Physical Activity – Participating in exercise releases Endorphins which activate opioid receptors in the brain that can help bring on a feeling of euphoria and a sense of wellbeing.

2. Reduce intake of Caffeine, Alcohol and Nicotine. All and release cortisol (Stress hormone) in the body and have a negative effect on your quality of sleep.

3. Improve your sleep Hygiene to create better quality sleep. There are many ways you can great better sleep hygiene for example – no TV in the bedroom, avoid screens for an hour before bed. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine at least 2-4 hours before bed time.

4. Meditation/ Breathing techniques- Practising meditation and breathing techniques will help calm the body and return it to a more relaxed state. Lowering your heart rate back to resting will reduce stress and anxiousness.

5. Time Management- working on your time management skills will help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Writing a list of things you need to do and working through it will help feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Don’t be scared to ask for help to if you can delegate some tasks to reduce your load.

6. Laugh!- Do something that makes you happy and makes you laugh. The old saying laughter is the best medicine is spot on.

7. Visit family or friends- Having a support network and being around those who make you feel loved and accepted can help with your feeling of self. It can relax you knowing you have support.

8. Use Essential oils- using aromatherapy can be extremely helpful to calm the CNS (central nervous system). Oils such as Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Ylang-ylang, Bergamot and Geranium have been known to be useful.

9. Supplements- Using supplements known to help with cortisol can help not only lower stress and the effects it has on your body but also help assist with better quality sleep which in turn helps with stress. Supplements such as Ashwagandha, Magnesium, Omega 3’s, Melatonin, Holy Basil and L-Theanine.

10. Taking time out for you! – Have a bath, light candles, and drink chamomile tea, read a book anything that takes you away from the triggers that induce stress.