6 Accessible Ways To Relieve Stress

When the house is a mess and your schedule is jam-packed, it’s easy for stress to come creeping into your life, inhabit your body, and turn you into a shell of your former self. And with everything going on in the world, it’s no wonder that a recent study from Gallup showed stress levels rose tremendously this year — and that women with young children experienced the most stress overall. But even if you’re strapped for time and are strict with your budget, there are a few ways you can help your body cope with life’s everyday stresses. Whether you’re employing breathing or meditation techniques, or sipping on a new calming drink, one of these six tactics is bound to help you chill out when you need that relaxation the most. Ahead, a few easy ways to relieve stress.

1. Sniff Some Calming Herbs Like Rosemary

Research shows that smelling rosemary in the form of an essential oil may help lower your cortisol levels, which can contribute to mood swings and stress you out. Keep some rosemary essential oil in your purse or around your home so you can take a whiff whenever something frustrating pops up.

2. Add This Supplement To Your Daily Routine

If you haven’t yet dipped your toe into the magnesium trend, consider this: An essential mineral for over 300 cellular processes in your body, a daily magnesium supplement can help your body manage stress, release tension, and calm your mind. For better absorption by your body, look for a supplement that includes magnesium citrate (as opposed to equally common magnesium oxide). An option like Natural Vitality CALM® Raspberry Lemon can be easily mixed with water to create a magnesium-rich, fizzy drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold during any season.

3. Use The 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

Controlled breathing is a great way to immediately get rid of stress because it can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, which can help you feel more relaxed. One breathing technique to try is called the “4-7-8 technique,” made popular in yoga practice. Start by placing one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Then take a deep, slow breath in through your nose and count to four. Hold your breath and count to seven. Exhale for eight seconds, and repeat a few times or until you feel more relaxed.

4. Use A Foam Roller

Even if you don’t have time to get a full workout in, grab a foam roller, which can relax tight muscles, especially where you hold tension in your back or neck. All it takes is a low- to medium-density foam roller, some comfortable clothes, and a few minutes a day to dedicate to simple foam-rolling exercises.

5. Try “Tapping”

Also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, “tapping” is a great way to get the benefits of acupressure without the needles (or leaving the house). Here’s how you do it: Recall the thing that’s stressing you out and come up with a mantra that acknowledges the problem, but helps you accept your experience. Repeat your mantra while lightly tapping on an acupressure point like the side of your eye, the top of your head, or under your nose.

6. Practice Mindful Meditation

Everyone and their neighbor has probably suggested you get into mindful meditation when you’re stressed, but there’s a reason why people swear by it: Science proves it can actually improve your quality of life. If you’ve had trouble meditating in the past, try searching the internet for guided meditations that calmly and easily walk beginners through the process.