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Stress is becoming the new normal in the lives of people in the United States, with 49% of adults experiencing stress frequently. Elevated stress levels can be harmful to your mental and physical health.
Seeking help and guidance is wise if you’re ready to discover your options and the benefits of holistic stress relief. From dietary changes to mind-body techniques, there are numerous things you can try to improve your quality of life while lowering stress.
Continue reading to learn more about holistic solutions to your elevated stress levels.
What Is Stress and How Does It Affect Health?
The human body and mind have evolved over millennia, and one tool used to protect health and wellness is the fight-or-flight mechanism. The response was developed to protect humans from threats like saber-tooth tigers and other predators.
The problem is that today’s “saber-tooth tigers” come in the form of work, financial issues and raising children. For many adults in the United States, there’s no break from these feelings of stress, which can have significant consequences for health and wellness.
The four primary types of stress to monitor are:
- Physical stress
- Mental stress
- Emotional stress
- Psycho-spiritual stress
Physical stress is often caused by a lack of quality sleep and a poor diet. Mental stress can stem from the desire or need to be perfect. Individuals experience emotional stress when facing feelings of anger, guilt or shame. Psycho-spiritual stress stems from complicated relationships and unexpected life challenges.
Holistic Approaches to Stress
When you discover holistic stress relief, you’ll have several options to try, and identifying the most effective approaches can help you progress in your health journey. One holistic approach to note is dietary changes. The food you eat may affect your mental health, and you can try shift toward a high-protein diet to balance your blood sugar and reduce physical stress on your body.
Mindfulness activities are another option when seeking at-home remedies for stress relief. You can use natural stress relief meditation to let go of stress and other forms of negative energy.
Focusing on improved sleep can provide benefits when you’re overwhelmed by stress. A lack of sleep can result in feelings of depression, stress and anxiety. Your investment in quality sleep can push those feelings away and help you find peace and positivity.
Mind-Body Techniques and Physical Activities for Stress
Mind-body techniques are crucial when seeking natural stress relief through holistic methods. Realizing that the mind and body are connected can help you manage stress and become happier.
Here’s a look at some mind-body techniques and exercises that can help calm your mind and body.
Meditation
Meditation focuses on finding inner peace and stillness. The goal is to retrain your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts.
Individuals who practice meditation regularly can reduce stress levels, improve concentration and become more self-aware. Start by finding a quiet and comfortable place to sit and allow your thoughts to pass through without any judgment.
Yoga
Yoga is another powerful mind-body technique to try when you’re ready to reduce stress daily. It combines stretching, breath control and meditation into one form of exercise.
Individuals who begin using yoga for natural stress relief may also build body strength, flexibility and balance while enjoying stress reduction. It’s an excellent option if stress is beginning to detract from who you are and who you want to become.
Breathwork
Conscious breathing techniques can have a noticeable effect on physical and mental health. When you participate in breathing exercises, you activate your parasympathetic nervous system, a natural way to promote stress relief and relaxation.
Exercise
Exercise is an effective natural remedy for high-stress levels because it helps your body produce and release serotonin. Serotonin is a natural chemical that lowers stress levels and boosts self-confidence.
It’s ideal to exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. Doing so can provide natural stress relief and increase self-confidence to tackle future challenges at work or home.
Dietary and Nutritional Strategies for Stress
Two options are worth considering when exploring the dietary and nutritional paths to stress relief. Body detoxification can remove harmful toxins from the body that affect mental and physical health. The other option is changing your diet to include nutrient-rich foods to improve your health. Here’s a look at each holistic option.
Natural Body Detoxification
Body detoxification helps because the toxins in your body can have a negative impact on emotions. High levels of toxins can result in irritability, depression and stress.
You can begin detoxifying your body by limiting alcohol consumption, drinking more water and lowering your sugar intake. Pair your detox efforts with a consistent exercise plan to promote physical and mental wellness.
Dietary Changes
The other option worth trying is creating a meal plan to ensure your body receives all the nourishment it requires. Consider meals that are high in protein to balance your blood sugar levels.
Pair your elevated protein consumption with fermented foods to promote a healthy gut. Healthy bowel flora boosts gut bacteria diversity, leading to reduced stress and anxiety levels. Consider adding dill pickles, sauerkraut, kefir and coconut yogurt to your diet.
Alternative Therapies for Stress
Another approach worth considering is alternative therapies. These therapies use outside-the-box methods to promote healing and stress reduction. Here’s a look at some of the top options you can try.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that reduces stress by inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points in the body. The purpose is to balance the flow of energy throughout your body. It’s best to find a qualified practitioner for acupuncture.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy works by boosting your mood through various scents. Different essential oils may have different effects on mood and stress levels. Use them in a diffuser, or add them to Epsom salts in bathwater to enjoy their benefits.
Lower Your Stress Levels With Holistic Stress Relief
Discovering methods for holistic stress relief can enhance your quality of life while boosting your mental and physical health. Changes to diet and cognitive exercises can lower stress and reduce the risk of long-term conditions.
If holistic therapy isn’t enough to overcome your stress, contact us. Our team of compassionate counselors is available to take your call and help you start your journey toward wellness today.
