Between work commitments, family obligations and social events, you are bound to experience stress. While some forms of stress can help motivate you to get things done, high levels of it can take a toll on your well-being, making you feel down and anxious most of the time.

The great news is there are plenty of ways you can try out to manage your stress and alleviate anxiety symptoms. Although different techniques may work for different people, it is good to have a variety of stress relief tools at your disposal so you can pick the one that works best for your current circumstances.

From making a few lifestyle changes to turning to virtual therapy, read our post to find out about the five most effective stress management solutions that can help lower your stress and anxiety levels and ease your body and mind.

Consider Dietary Supplements

Although medications may be your first choice to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, you should consider taking dietary supplements instead. Research actually suggests that there are various supplements that can provide stress relief, including B-complex vitamins, L-theanine, omega-3, magnesium and vitamin D.

For example, B-complex vitamins, particularly B12, have been linked to reducing cortisol, which is the body’s stress hormone. Taking these vitamins regularly can help manage your stress levels and promote a better mood.

If you don’t like taking B-complex vitamins in the form of pills, you can use a B12 patch instead which you can adhere to your skin and get your daily dose of the vitamin.       

Try Virtual Therapy

With the advancements in technology and healthcare, people now have the option of getting stress and anxiety treatment with VR technology. The treatment involves patients wearing a VR headset that places them in an immersive environment filled with fun activities that distract the brain and encourage the nervous system to go from the anxious fight-or-flight state to the state of calm and ease.

Depending on your needs, you will be assigned to a virtual therapist who will create a personalized treatment plan consisting of a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and similar techniques alongside VR therapy. The great thing about all of this is that you can actually get your treatment from the comfort of your home.

Get More Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activity is another fantastic stress reliever option you should consider trying out. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals such as dopamine and endorphins in your brain that make you feel good and happy while also getting rid of chemicals that make you feel stressed and anxious.

Exercises you can do to get a dose of stress relief include running, swimming, dancing, cycling and aerobics.

If you are looking for even simpler exercises that offer the same benefits, then walking is a great and effective way to rejuvenate your mind and body. It calms you down by eliminating cortisol from your system and reducing worry and anxiety.

Follow A Healthy Diet

Your diet affects every aspect of your well-being, including your mental health. If you consume lots of sugar, unhealthy fats and junk food, you are increasing the chances of experiencing higher perceived stress levels. This can lead to emotional eating which then leads to poor eating habits, increased weight and anxiety levels.

Therefore, it is important that you follow a healthy, nutrient-dense diet to provide your body with the essential nutrients necessary for optimal health. This includes lots of fruits, vegetables, complex carbs, lean proteins and fatty acids, all of which contain vitamins and minerals that help lessen the effects of stress on the body and mind.

Practice Self-Care

Part of taking care of your body and mind is practicing self-care. Setting aside time to do things that you like and relax can help reduce your stress levels and make you feel good and happy. Some common examples of self-care activities you can do include:

  • Taking a bath
  • Reading a good book
  • Getting a massage
  • Practicing a hobby
  • Getting a good night’s sleep
  • Practicing yoga

For example, if you are having a hard time falling asleep at night due to high levels of stress or anxiety, you can take a long, hot bath before bed to relax your mind while relaxing your body and improving your sleep quality.

Final Thoughts

While stress is inevitable, it doesn’t mean that you cannot control how you respond to it. There are plenty of ways you can try out to provide your body and mind with relief in times of need. Because different techniques may work for different people, it is good to have a few effective solutions at your disposal so you can choose the one that suits you best.

From employing a few healthy lifestyle habits to trying out virtual therapy, be sure to read our post and pick the technique you believe will provide you with immediate relief and will calm your mind and body.