Natural Ways to De-Stress This Spring

Stress can take quite a toll on your physical and mental well-being. NBC News reports that the unprecedented levels of stress amid the global pandemic have resulted in unwanted weight gain, unintentional weight loss, problem drinking, and poor mental health for many of us.

Thankfully, there are ways to de-stress stress — and to do it entirely naturally. Learn more with our ideas below.

Natural Ways to De-Stress this Spring:

Explore the Benefits of CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from the cannabis plant. From there, its manufacturers extract terpenes, cannabinoids, and hemp plant properties, ultimately creating a final product that is 99% pure. CBD is not psychoactive and it can be an effective, natural solution to ease anxiety and reduce physical discomfort. CBD is available in oils, topical creams, and capsules.

Specifically, studies show that CBD relieves inflammation and pain. Patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis report fewer symptoms while taking CBD. CBD also shows “antidepressant-like effects,’ according to Healthline and stimulates the brain’s serotonin receptors without pharmaceutical drugs or other artificial interventions.

Remember: When You Look Good, You Feel Good

Unfortunately, stress can take an enormous toll on your physical appearance. Those who suffer from significant depressive symptoms may neglect their physical hygiene, and chronic stress may aggravate skin conditions and result in more acne. If that describes you, you are not alone. acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting over 50 million Americans every year. And if you’re neglecting your hygiene and your diet, it might show on your face.

Science shows that when you look good, you feel good, too.

Start with small steps. Resolve to brush your teeth every day. Add on to it from there. Add a daily skincare routine and set out clothes to wear the night before as you start feeling better. Think of your food as fuel for your body and learn to enjoy the taste of nutritious foods

While indulging and treating yourself is fine to do in moderation, you’ll probably feel more energized if you enjoy all the food groups and stay hydrated. Best of all, your skin will probably thank you for it.

Get In Touch With Your Artistic Side

“A new Drexel University study found that making art can significantly reduce stress-related hormones in your body,” Drexel Now reports.

After making art for 45 minutes, 75% of study participants showed lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Studies have also found that art students are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement — potentially because participating in the creation of art can lead to greater focus and reduced anxiety. Drawing, painting, sculpting, crafting, and more can all help you de-stress.

You can make art on your own or compound art’s healing effects by enrolling in structured art therapy. You can even partake in virtual art classes to reap the benefits.

Get Justice

You can also de-stress by getting someone else to work on your behalf to help you achieve justice. Instead of stressing about how someone wronged you, you can get them to pay you back for what they took away from you, particularly if it is something that affected your health.

For instance, let’s say you had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and you want to learn more about TBI cases that successfully resulted in money being handed over to the victim. Just this knowledge could help you feel better about your situation, even if you can’t automatically recover your health.

Exercise Outside

One of the most effective ways to naturally reduce stress is to exercise outside. Both spending time outdoors and exercising will combat stress. Favor exercises that combine the two. Go outside for a walk, take a hike, or pick up running or cycling.

Spending time in nature lowers blood pressure, improves mood, helps heal physical pains and ailments faster, and may even help people live longer, according to Sharp Health News.

Likewise, exercise reduces anxiety and depression by releasing stress and pain-reducing endorphins. This eases the physical symptoms of anxiety and can act as a form of “meditation in motion,” The Mayo Clinic writes.

How does this work? While exercising, you are more likely to focus on immediate physical sensations, like your footfall on the ground or the trees lining the trail as you hike. Focusing on the present moment helps prevent rumination and worry — two things that easily contribute to stress.

Spend Time With Animals

For a quick way to naturally reduce stress, spend some time with your pet — or someone else’s. Spending time with a dog or a cat provides companionship and combats loneliness. Further, petting animals or snuggling up next to a cat or dog lowers blood pressure and stimulates the production of feel-good hormones, like dopamine and serotonin.

Some studies even show that seniors who spend more time with animals need fewer doctor’s appointments over time. If you do not own a cat or a dog, offer to walk a neighbor’s dog or feed their cat while they are away.

Work out the best ways to naturally de-stress this spring. Your mental and physical health depend on it. Start with the list above, and see what strategies personally work best for you.