Stress: Tips to melt it away!

Stress is a big subject in today's world. We all have crazy responsibilities and sometimes life just feels as if it is speeding by at 1000mph! Stress negatively impacts our bodies, and can actually shorten our life span if we are exposed to it too often. It can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining on our bodies. Stress lowers our immune system responses causing us to be more susceptible to colds and viruses as well. It is no wonder now that I would always get sick right before all of my school finals.

Today I will be talking about some tips and foods to help you combat stress as much as possible!

Tips for reducing stress
Eating habits: try to avoid stimulants like alcohol, black tea, coffee, and sugar. Chamomile tea is a good alternative to these because it acts to relax the body. Eat in a calm environment and try not to rush your meals.

Hot baths: a nice warm bath after a long day can really help to relax and calm the body. Use natural 100% essential oils to add some aromatherapy benefits!

Aromatherapy: natural essential oils are great for relieving stress. My favorites are lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint. You can either add a few drops to boiled water and breathe the steam, or invest in a vaporizer to add rejuvenating natural scents to you home.

Exercising: exercise helps to release feel good hormones that relax the body. Also, you are less likely to think about all the things you have to do if you are focusing on your body and breathing. Take part in regular exercise such as walking, running, biking, swimming, dancing, etc. Get moving!

Breathing: i know what you are thinking, "yes," I know how to breathe.. Well, there is more to breathing than you may think. During yoga, meditation, and tai chi, deep breathing techniques are utilized to increase the flow of oxygen, prana, and to help calm the body. Deep breathing and breathing exercises are important for you and can even help when you get headaches or are in a stressful situation. I am not going to explain any specific exercises, but if you are interested feel free to do further research

Massage: massage is great because it helps to increase the flow of stagnant blood, chi, and improves the lymphatic system. The best massages are from friends! Give and take :)

Talk to a friend: it can be a big weight off of our shoulders to share problems with people. After all, we are social beings and we need a support system. It is nice to feel needed and to help others with their issues or to just enjoy random conversation. This will reduce your stress by releasing blocked emotions.

Foods to help relieve stress
When we become stressed, our blood pressure increases and our heart rate speeds up. Here are some natural foods to help lower your blood pressure naturally and increase your sense of well being:

• Bananas
• Beets
• Artichokes 
• Cacao (natural chocolate, different from cocoa which is highly processed and stripped of nutrients)  
• Garlic 
• Blueberries (contain strong antioxidants to fight free radicals) 
• Goji berries 

This post is written by Michael
Adapted from:
Blood Pressure
Stress Reduction
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