5 things you can do at home to reduce stress

 

Stress has become and epidemic in our modern day world with up to 70% of adults experiencing feelings of stress or anxiety daily. Since we cant seem to escape it, it’s important to have simple and effective ways to calm your mind and body.

Here are our top 5 things you can do at home to reduce stress:

  • Drink more – Chronic stress can weaken your adrenal glands and dehydrate your body, impacting brain function, mood and causing feelings of stress. However, within 20 minutes of drinking water, these effects can be reversed. Start the day with a glass of water and a freshly squeezed lemon to help boost your metabolism and immune system. Additionally, drinking warm water before bed is a great way to unwind and feel more relaxed. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

 

  • Practice gratitude – Gratitude is a mental tool used to acknowledge the good things in life. According to research, focusing on what you’re grateful for reduces the stress hormone cortisol by 23%, improves memory, and reduces anxiety. One of the best ways to practice gratitude is to keep a journal. This also allow you accumulate a catalogue of happy memories to look back on. So, the next time you start fixating on a negative event, try to think of 3 things you’re grateful for. For example, if you’re feeling stressed at work, write down the things you like about your job and watch your negative emotions disappear.

 

  • Fill your house with Plants – Houseplants are a new obsession and for good reason. Research has shown that plants in the home can reduce tension by almost 40%, as they remind us of the outdoors, nature and a simpler way of living. Keeping a small plant on your desk has also been shown to lower levels of anxiety and stress, as well as increase work productivity by 15%. Top plants to have around include lavender, basil, mint and snake plant.  

                                                                                            

  • Aromatherapy – Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling a scent to improve your wellbeing. Research suggests certain scents can alter brain activity and decrease the level of stress hormones in the body. This helps to make you feel more energized, relaxed and can also promote a better nights sleep. You can practice aromatherapy at home with candles, essential oils and bath products. Scents to try include lavender, jasmine, Japanese yuzu, bergamot and ylang ylang.

 

  • Listen to music –Music has been shown to decrease levels of anxiety, elevate mood, improve concentration, reduce levels of pain and improve your sleeping pattern. The type of music you listen to will effect the body differently. Faster beats can make you feel more alert and optimistic, while a slow tempo can relax your mind and body to make you feel less stressed. Music around 60 beats per minute is best as it can cause alpha brainwaves, which are usually present when we are in a relaxed and conscious state.