Guide to a Stress Free 2020: How to Relieve Stress

OK, you might not be stress free after you read this, but is stress free even a thing?! What I will give you in this blog are 10 Ways to Relieve Stress, some are supplements you take, some are things you do, but all of them are a great way to relieve stress!

For me, stress is pretty much a constant in my life.  I honestly just ignore it sometimes and charge on like everything is going to be just fine, but when I do that it always catches up with me.  Stress, if not treated can be a deadly killer.  So it’s important to get a handle on it.  Many people react to stress differently, but something we can all agree on is we all need help battling the stress monster from time to time.

I’ve put together some stress relievers that help me, some you can use all the time, some might not work for you at all, but they are all worth a try!  First let’s start with some supplements, and things that you can take to help you remain calm in stressful times.

Rescue Remedies by Bach

This is a spray that will instantly help you calm down and regain focus.  Dr. Bach developed this remedy to be used in “crisis”, great if you have interview nerves, just heard some bad news or got into an accident.  The calming blend of Bach Flower Remedies will help you relax and get focused again.

Calm Magnesium Supplement Drink Mix

This drink mix tastes amazing and works great! I like to use this drink powder daily, especially when my business is on a deadline, or I have a lot of traveling in my schedule … so pretty much all the time! Having healthy magnesium levels along with a balance of calcium in your body promotes stress relief and calmness.

Himalayan Salt Lamp

Salt lamps are known to help boost your mood, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.  Not to get all sciency here, but the theory behind salt lamps is that they give off negative ions in the hair.  Negative ions are what help boost your mood, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.  From a non sciency perspective, salt lamps are beautiful, they provide and nice ambience, and they are a great alternative to a nightlight.

I have gone over my favorite supplements and things you can have in order to help reduce stress. 

Now let’s talk about the things you can DO to help relieve stress in your life.

The Headspace App

I am so obsessed with this app! It’s like a guide to meditation for beginners.  I go on and off using this app, but when I am using it daily I am more clear headed and productive.  This app allows you to tap into mindfulness and meditation like a pro!  I suggest starting slow, with just a few minutes a day and then build up from there.  The app will actually help you get a routine going, all you have to do is open it up and listen.

Consistent Exercise

Exercising is by far my favorite stress reliever.  When you exercise you are increasing your endorphins, and those guys are the best for boosting your mood.  Ever heard of the “runner’s high”? That’s endorphins doing their thing, and it’s amazing for relieving stress.  Another great benefit of exercising when you are stressed out it, you are refocusing your mind from whatever issues you have onto moving your body.  It’s a great way to zone out and not stress about your problems for a while … you’re literally running away from your problems … but in a good way!  When you’re done you will be in a better mood, and have a clearer head to tackle whatever life throws at you.

Healthy Diet

We all know this one, but I sure struggle with this when I am stressed.  It’s easy to slip into poor eating habits when you’re really busy, and reach for whatever is convenient at the time, but in the long run you’re making things worse.  I try to catch myself quickly in this process, by making sure I am filling up on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables when I am most stressed.  Controlling the things you can control, like your eating habits, help keep you focused.

Get Social

I know I know, when you’re stressed making time to hang out with people can seem crazy, but hear me out.  When you go to dinner with friends, you’re able to vent and get support, and sometimes this is all you need to realize that thing you’re stressing out about, is actually something you can conquer! Another way to get social when you’re stressed is to volunteer and give back in some way.  This will instantly boost your mood, allowing you to relieve some stress, and it’s always great to give back!

Get some sleep!

I cannot stress this enough!  It can be hard to sleep when you are stressed out, so make sure you look into some of the supplements I listed above to help you create a relaxing bedtime routine.  Think about putting kids to sleep, you don’t expect them to go from 100 to 0 just like that, you give them a bath and read them a bedtime story, and create a relaxing environment for them to fall asleep.  Do the same for yourself! Take a bath, develop a relaxing skin care routine, read before bed, meditate, drink some tea, whatever it takes to help you sleep.

Music

For thousands of years we have expressed ourselves through music and dance. I absolutely love to dance, it makes me feel good no matter what is going on in my life.  Even if you’re not a dancer, listening to uplifting music can boost your mood and motivate you.  If you need to belt out “Let it Go” from Frozen or get down on some hard core rap, DO IT! Express yourself, get mad, get happy, cry your eyes out … whatever helps relieve some stress from your life.

Massage

Weekly, monthly, or even annual massages can truly change your life.  I love getting massages, not just to relax, but to literally relieve the stress and tension I hold in my body.  Sitting at a desk and traveling are two things I do most in my life, and both can really take a toll on my body.  When you get a massage to help relieve tension, it’s literally like having a weight lifted off of your back that you didn’t even realize you were carrying. 

Pro Tip: If you’re in San Diego, I highly recommend @alohaholistichealth she does WONDERS for stress, pain, and tension!

Like I said in the beginning, these might not all work for you, but they are all worth a shot!  Try them out, see what works for you, and come up with your own stress relief plan!

Cheers to staying healthy and happy in 2020!

Kristin Francy Insurance & Financial Services Agent

For tips on Insurance and Financial Services, visit those categories or my homepage.