Welcome to Stress Awareness Month

Stress is common in all our lives. Some handle it better than others. There are some cases in which stress can even cause physical issues to our bodies as well. We are going to look at some ideas on how we can reduce our stress levels or take better control of them.

Author: Jason Rapp

When you start feeling stressed, one easy thing to try is to leave the current situation. Yes, there are times we can push through the feeling. However, is it healthy for us to do this? Most likely not at first. This is more about avoiding stress. Which can always build up and could possibly release when we do not want it to. Walking away from the situation to get a fresh point of view will help you identify what is bothering you. You can then come up with a better plan to deal with it.

Another way to reduce your stress level is to exercise. Sometimes we have time for this, and sometimes we do not. Mindfulness helps as well. Both steps can be done as one. Go for a walk outside, listen to the sounds, and feel a tree of a leaf. This will help you focus your attention on the current moment and when you focus on the here and now. Not only will your stress reduce, but you should also see a reduction in negative or ruminating thoughts. Remember, when you are in the moment, there is no past and no future. There is only right now.

There is more to assist with keeping our stress down and feeling better. Another way to reduce your stress is to eat a healthy diet.  For example, following a whole food plant-based diet will also help you as it reduces your intake of highly processed foods and beverages. Eat more veggies, nuts, beans, and seeds. Avoid high amounts of caffeine, and switch to water and herbal tea.

Animals are also good at reducing our stress levels. Studies have shown that spending time with our four-legged friends can reduce stress levels quite a bit. If you do not have a furry friend in your life for whatever reason. Then you can always volunteer some time to help at an animal sanctuary or shelter. The animals at shelters can be lonely quite a bit. When we volunteer or give in our life, this is also another way to feel better. So, combine the two and spend some time at a shelter, you will be helping the animals and yourself.

Aromatherapy is a simple option that can be down almost anywhere. The scents below have been recognized to help get you back on track. These can be found in essential oils, wax melts, candles, and perfume oils.

• lavender
• rose
• vetiver
• bergamot
• Roman chamomile
• neroli
• frankincense
• sandalwood
• ylang-ylang
• orange or orange blossom
• geranium

There are also different supplements to try that can contribute to feeling calm such as the ones below. These can be found online or in vitamin stores. Just be mindful to pick up ones that are vegan-friendly caps.

• Ashwagandha
• Rhodiola
• Lemon balm
• Chamomile

Lastly on our list is meditation and yoga. Both practices can help you as they involve being present in the moment. They both also involve you focusing on your breathing which is a common step in anxiety or stress. The first step we are usually told to us when we are stressed is to take a deep breath. Well, the above will have you focusing on breathing and what you are doing.

This is not an exhaustive list of ways to deal with stress, there are many ways to attack these feelings. If need be, talk to someone, Find a therapist. They would be able to offer some good advice to get you back on track. Sometimes you can feel better just by laughing. Find some funny videos on YouTube or TikTok. Also, while you are on YouTube, stop by the Vkind channel and learn something new. Maybe you will find some food to make that will offer some relief. We are always adding new content. Plus, with the upcoming changes, there will be a new social function on our app. You can use this to find like-minded people, and who knows, you might learn something new.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/top-ways-to-reduce-daily-stress

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322396#natural-remedies-for-anxiety-and-stress