6 Proven Calming Stress Relief Strategies

Need calm? It is far to easy these days to feel overwhelmed by concerns about your health, finances, or family. Stress and anxiety can make it difficult to enjoy life, especially when you can’t rely on your usual coping methods like meeting friends for coffee, hitting the gym, or indulging in some retail therapy. So, how can you manage anxiety in these uncertain times? Follow our guide to regain control of your thoughts and ease the physical symptoms of stress.

Understanding the differences between worry, stress, and anxiety is key to managing them effectively. Worry involves repetitive thoughts about concerns, such as whether you left the stove on. Stress is a heightened response to these concerns, potentially affecting your overall well-being. Anxiety, stemming from prolonged worry and stress, can lead to issues like sleeplessness and exacerbated medical conditions.

The mind-body connection means that anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms, including difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, upset stomach, headaches, chest tightness, and even heart palpitations. Everyone experiences stress differently based on their genetic makeup, gender, and life experiences. The good news? Managing your anxiety can alleviate these physical symptoms. While stress impacts the body, managing it often starts in the mind, and you can make a difference right from home.

Here are six natural strategies to help you stay calm and manage stress effectively.

Our “Stay-Calm Checklist” offers six natural ways to manage stress effectively. Exercise helps dissipate stress chemicals and return your body to a balanced state. Nourishing your body with healthy foods, rather than stress-eating, can also make a big difference. Breathing exercises, like the simple “4 by 4” technique, calm your body when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Mindfulness practices, such as taking a walk and noticing your surroundings or listening to soothing sounds, can help refocus your thoughts.

1. Exercise Away the Stress. Physical activity is excellent for transforming nervous energy into a calming ritual. Exercise helps dissipate stress chemicals and brings your body back to balance more quickly.
2. Nourish Your Body. Instead of stress-eating unhealthy foods, focus on nourishing your body with wholesome options like nuts, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Certain nutrients, such as those in green tea, lemon balm extract, and ashwagandha, can also help maintain healthy cortisol levels.
3. Practice Deep Breathing. Slow, steady breathing can calm your body when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Try the “4 by 4” technique: inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. You can also explore guided breathing exercises or meditation apps to deepen your practice.
4. Engage in Mindfulness. Take a moment to stop and notice the world around you. Whether it’s a flower, a tree, or even a puppy, these simple observations can halt anxious thoughts and refocus your mind, reducing your stress response.
5. Listen to Soothing Sounds. Music can be incredibly calming. Whether it’s ocean sounds, nostalgic tunes, or even heavy metal, find the music that helps put your nerves at ease. There are plenty of playlists designed specifically to help calm you down.
6. Seek Professional Help. If these methods aren’t enough, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor. Seeking help is a smart step toward taking control of your well-being. Therapy can be a valuable resource for navigating difficult emotions and situations.

Don’t ignore your anxiety—address it head-on. Long-term stress and anxiety can have serious impacts on your health, so take steps now to protect your physical and mental well-being.

If these strategies aren’t enough, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy is a valuable resource for managing difficult emotions, and reaching out shows strength, not weakness. Ignoring anxiety can worsen its effects on your health, so take steps now to protect your well-being.