7 Natural Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

Stress is a normal part of day-to-day living, but if you’re like almost 20% of American adults, you’re also dealing with anxiety. While there is a massive benefit in meeting with your doctor and taking medication to help you handle stress and anxiety, many people look to take a more natural approach before committing to medication. If you’re looking for natural ways to deal with stress and anxiety, keep reading for the best items and activities to make that happen.

Weighted Blankets

A weighted blanket is one of the best products to reduce anxiety. Weighted blankets have become a trend over the last few years for a good reason, so many people deal with stress and anxiety issues and find major relief just by using a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets help you feel cozy and secure, and scientific studies show that 80% of people who use weighted blankets feel calmer during use. They ground the body, which reduces cortisol levels as well as stress.

Less Screen Time 

We’re all glued to our smartphones these days, but studies have shown even though our devices are necessary, using them too often can increase stress levels. Excessive smartphone and tablet use is associated with increased levels of stress and other mental health disorders. Making a conscious effort to reduce your screen time can have significant positive impacts on your stress levels.

Magnesium Supplements

Almost all adults are deficient in magnesium, but this important mineral is key to overall health and decreasing stress and anxiety. You can get a natural magnesium supplement in many forms, from gummies, tinctures, powders, and pills, and they can be a game-changer in living with stress and anxiety. Magnesium also helps with inflammation levels, brain health, and better sleep. Adding a magnesium supplement is life-changing even if you take a daily multivitamin.

Sound Sleep 

While we all know that we’re supposed to spend around a third of our lives sleeping, sleep can take time and effort for some people searching for it. While insomnia is a rare sleep disorder, over 30% of adults report difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. However, when you’re running on too little sleep, your ability to handle stress which can lead to anxiety, quickly diminishes. Try relaxing activities before bed, drinking chamomile tea, and eliminating caffeine to optimize your sleep schedule.

Let’s Get Physical 

If you’re currently inactive, starting with gentle exercises like walking or yoga is a great way to reduce your stress levels. Countless studies have shown that regular physical activity helps reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even getting just a few days of exercise per week can greatly impact your stress levels.

Self-Care Treatments

Carving out time in your day or week to practice self-care can do wonders for your anxiety symptoms and diminish stress levels. Whether that looks like taking a bath, reading a good book, indulging in a massage, or practicing yoga, self-care is critical during a stressful season. Studies show people who practice regular self-care report lower stress levels and improved quality of life. Let this be a sign to take time for yourself.

Healthy Eating 

Following a healthy diet is essential to not just your physical health but your mental health. People who follow diets with processed food and excess sugar are more likely to experience higher stress levels, and being chronically stressed can lead to even more unhealthy choices. Maximizing your intake of nutrient-rich foods is key to being able to handle life stress and certainly anxiety. Aim to make 2/3 of your plate fresh fruit and vegetable and avoid processed junk food.

Other ways to impact your stress and anxiety levels include:

• Essential oil use.
• Reducing your caffeine intake.
• Saying no to things that cause you stress.
• Being more social with friends and family.

Adopting some ways to reduce your stress levels means you’ll be in a healthier mental state, and chances are physical state as well. You can’t pour from a half-empty glass; these techniques will help keep your glass full. Here’s to your health and calmer days ahead; you got this!