Stress is something we all deal with in our lives. Dealing with stress can create even more, so it’s important to reduce it whenever possible. Rather than automatically going to a doctor or reaching for food, here are seven simple and natural ways to reduce your stress level.

Step Away from Technology

Remember when you could go hours without being in touch with your world? Take a vacation from your phone and computer, I bet that nothing will fall apart while you lift your head up and see the world around you. Turn off the TV, talk to someone instead of silently watching a show. Read a book, try taking it to the beach or a park and get some vitamin D while you do it. Enjoy the soothing sounds of nature, or the sounds of silence.

Get Moving

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, in fact, regular exercise can have long-term positive effects according to science. The endorphins your body releases after exercise can help you to sleep better. Any kind of movement will work; running, walking, dancing, or even yoga. The important thing is to do it regularly, and for about 30 minutes at a time.

Sleep it Off

I’m sort of kidding. But regular sleep and enough of it will have a calming effect on you. As an adult, you should get between seven & nine hours of sleep per day. Breaking it up into a nap and then your overnight sleep works just fine. I find that a nap feels a little decadent, so I think the quality of sleep is better.

Reach out and Touch Someone

Humans crave contact, we are not meant to be alone. Give someone a hug, hold their hand, give or get a massage, help in the toddler room at church and sit with a kid to read a book. In the absence of people, cuddle a pet. If you can’t get a massage, take a few minutes and massage your feet. It’s easy to do and feels wonderful.

Eat Better

I know, I said not to reach for food to reduce stress. What I mean is don’t eat foods low in nutrition. A nutritionally dense diet will support brain health as well as your body. Foods high in B vitamins specifically help with stress, as well as magnesium rich ones. And don’t overlook healthy fats, such as those found in fatty fish, nuts, and avocados. Here are ten things to add to your diet.

Soak it Away

Remember those commercials for Calgon bubble bath? A stressed looking woman saying “Calgon, take me away.” Well, there is something to that. A warm bath with a relaxing scent in it is very soothing. Try a bath soak based on Epsom salts to help relax your muscles while you soak in the warm water. Dr. Teal’s comes in five different scents, depending on what you need there should be one that’s right for you! A little is all you need; a bag should last quite a while.

Learn to Say No

One of the major stressors in surveys of adults is the feeling of being too busy. You don’t have to do everything you are asked to do. Smile and say “No, I can’t take on anymore responsibilities right now,” there is no need to explain further.  The same goes for kid activities, they don’t need to have something to do every minute. Give them some time to just hang out and make their own fun, they will be so much more relaxed and happier.

Reduce your Monthly Bills

Number eight on the list is to take a few minutes to sign up at BillCutterz and let us reduce your monthly bills. We will take the stress of negotiating from you, so you can focus on the other 7 ideas here.