Is stress starting to feel like your new norm? Chronic stress can disrupt sleep patterns and mess with immune, digestive, reproductive, and cardiovascular health. While the goal shouldn’t be to completely eradicate your stress, try these stress management tools to lessen the load stress is taking on your body (and your mind):
▪️ Exercise More – endorphins released during exercise decrease tension, elevate mood, improve sleep, and boost self-esteem.
▪️ Try Hemp Oil – also known as CBD oil, it contains phytocannabinoids which have been shown to be an effective tool for stress management.
▪️ Meditate – regular meditation helps improve emotional reactivity which, in turn, can decrease stress levels.
▪️ Take Adaptogens – otherwise known as herbal supplements, the most common for stress-relief include: ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, asian ginseng, and eleuthro.
▪️ Try Aromatherapy – lavender oil and many other essential oils have been noted by many to help ease their symptoms of stress.
▪️ Yoga – a more specific form of exercise known for moderating the nervous system, balancing hormones, and regulating nerve impulses, all of which alleviate stress symptoms.
▪️ Drink Tea – both the enjoyable act of sipping a hot – and often aromatic – cup of tea, and the properties of the tea itself have been shown to reduce stress.
▪️ Consume Hops – it’s the bitter acids that give hops their signature taste – these acids have a calming effect and have been used as an herbal remedy for stress and sleep-related disorders for centuries.
▪️ Try Kava – often recommended to those with generalized anxiety order, this herbal remedy can help anyone manage their stress.
▪️ Take it Easy on the Caffeine – try to consume less than 16 oz. a day and limit it to the morning.