25 Natural Ways to Defeat Stress

No one likes feeling stressed. Thankfully, there are many ways that you can reduce your anxieties and boost your happy-making hormones. Here are just a few suggestions for managing your stress.

1. Breathe deeply. It might sound cliche, but filling your lungs with oxygen can help you feel “present” in your body.

2. Breathe through one nostril at a time. Also known as nadi shodhana, it can be a very effective relaxation technique.

3. Listen to music. It’s been shown to have an actual, tangible impact on brain chemistry.

4. Take a walk. Get away from whatever is stressing you.

5. Light a candle. Scents like lavender, vanilla, and sandalwood are known to be particularly calming.

6. Open the window. Even if it’s too hot or cold to leave open for an extended period of time, a breath of fresh air can do wonders for your stress levels.

7. Take a shower. Wash away your troubles. Try to feel both physically and mentally clean.

8. Count your blessings. Sometimes, it can help to remind yourself that there are still reasons to be happy.

9. Hug something. It doesn’t have to be human or even animal. It can be your favorite pillow.

10. Exercise. Do you have 10-20 minutes to spare? Work up some endorphins for a natural high.

11. Take a nap. There have been lots of studies on the benefits of power naps.

12. Drink something hot. You can mimic the feeling of human intimacy with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

13. Sit by the water. It doesn’t matter if it’s a lake, pond or fountain; the gentle sound of running water can be very relaxing.

14. Do something nice for another person. You’ll feel better after your good deed.

15. Meditate. You don’t have to sit cross-legged and chant. Just take deep, controlled breaths while emptying your mind of worries and anxieties.

16. Clean your space. Similar to taking a shower, you’ll feel calmer and more focused when things are clean.

17. Stretch. It can help to relieve the stress that you’re physically carrying around in your muscles and joints.

18. Talk to someone. Purge your stress by letting it out to a trusted friend or co-worker.

19. Accomplish a small task. The feeling of productivity can boost your mood and give you the energy to face bigger, more important actions.

20. Get a massage. This is particularly helpful if you struggle with chronic stress.

21. Cheat on your diet. If you’re having a crummy day, your favorite food might make it a little better.

22. Take a break. Even if it’s just for 2-3 minutes, allow yourself to close your eyes and do absolutely nothing for the allotted time.

23. Buy a stress ball or fidget spinner. Give yourself a physical outlet for your mental stress.

24. Look up inspirational quotes or read inspirational stories. They can be powerful motivators.

25. Laugh. It’s another one of those things that trigger a change in brain activity, so you’ll feel better on both a physical and psychological level after you laugh.

These are just a few all-natural ways to decrease your stress levels. There are many more, but these should be enough to get you started with relief.