Caitlyn Stress is an integral part of human existence and plagues a major part of the population despite better life quality and expectancy. According to a 2020 report by the American Psychological Association, 84% of American adults reported feeling at least one emotion linked with prolonged stress, such as anxiety, sadness, or anger. The worst part is that most people deal with the problem with medication, which does more harm than good in the long run.
While getting complacent about stress is not the right approach, aggressive treatment with medicines is also wrong. It can cause side effects and lead to habit formation, and you may end up worse than where you started. Fortunately, you can try several effective natural methods to manage anxiety without medication. Here are a few proven ways to lower your stress levels naturally.
Follow a healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle comprising a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can set you up for a stress-free life. Start by getting enough nutrition and cutting down on food culprits like sugar, unhealthy fats, caffeine, and alcohol. Exercise boosts endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that relieve negative emotions. Pick activities you like, and make them a part of your routine. Get enough sleep, as deprivation can cause irritability, anxiety, and poor concentration.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness entails being fully present at the moment instead of worrying about the past or the future. Besides living in the present, you must also be aware of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. The practice reduces negative thoughts and enhances positive emotions. Both ways, you can keep stress at bay and enjoy inner peace. You can try mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing for the best outcomes.
Embrace cannabis
Studies establish the efficacy of cannabis as a medicinal aid that relieves chronic pain, sleep destination, and anxiety. Besides its safety and efficacy, cannabis is now legal in the country, so accessibility is not a concern. You can explore several options, from CBD tinctures to thc edibles, vapes, concentrates, and topical products. Pick a product composition and consumption method that works for you. But remember to manage your doses because micro dosing is the right approach for stress relief.
Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms
Another effective way to ditch the pills and seek stress relief naturally is by avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms. People often resort to damaging habits like binge eating, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption to cope with stress. But such behaviors only worsen the situation. Find better ways to overcome your challenges. Spending time in nature, picking a hobby, and connecting with friends are better options.
Practice time management
Surprisingly, poor time management can contribute significantly to higher stress levels. The simplest solution to the problem is to create realistic schedules and prioritize tasks to improve productivity and reduce negative feelings. Also, leave margins for error and forgive yourself for failing to tick everything on your task lists. You need not stretch yourself too far because delays can always happen.
You may experience chronic stress despite trying everything to manage it. Look out for red flags and seek professional help from a therapist. They can guide you in managing stress levels naturally and provide effective treatment options.
