Healthy Everyday Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

There's no doubt that the modern lifestyle brought many perks with it. However, it has also made our lives more stressful, and while we can't exactly control our surroundings and circumstances, there's one thing we can do – we can control the way we respond to those external factors. Fortunately, there are many stress-busting techniques and methods that don't involve medications. So, if you're looking for healthy ways to zap stress and reduce anxiety, scroll down for a couple of great suggestions.

Have a good laugh – seriously!​

This one is a no-brainer, really – one does not simply stay anxious after having a good laugh. When you are laughing, you are automatically lowering your cortisol levels, which helps reduce stress and eliminate anxiety. A good #lol can also help relieve tension from your body as well as boost your mood thanks to the release of endorphins, brain chemicals responsible for happiness. As a result, your mental load is lightened and you generally feel more relaxed. On the plus side, if you make it a daily habit, you can also help boost your immune system over the course of time. Think about what makes you laugh. It can be anything, from watching a funny TV show to chatting and being goofy with your friends. As long as it makes you smile, it is sure to help you lighten up and make you feel better.

Indulge in an aromatic luxury of a scented candle​

There's a good reason why the scented candle market is on fire these days. The delightful sight of the flickering flames can make any room perfectly cozy and pleasant, while the gorgeous fragrance lingering in the air is certain to relax your senses and help you unwind after a long day. Up for aromatherapy but can't bother to book a spa day? Recreate a spa salon experience at home! All you need is some soothing essential oils or scented candles to help decrease stress and re-energize yourself. Some of the must-try calming scents include lavender, Roman chamomile, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood. As an alternative to candles, you can burn some incense sticks or try using different essential oils and experiment a bit until you find something that works for you. And if you're feeling crafty, you can always make a DIY scented candle instead of grabbing one from the store.

Have some fun between the sheets​ 

​A few things can be as relaxing as having some good time between the sheets. Healthy sex brings a host of benefits for your body, from reduced risk of cancer and lower blood pressure to clear complexion and pain relief. However, no one says that a partner is a prerequisite for pleasure. For those of us flying solo, the big O can easily be achieved either on our own or with the help of electronic bedmates. And if the trip to a sex shop seems daunting, don't sweat it. You can always order sex toys online and have them delivered to your doorstep – simple as that. So, whether you want to try some new 'toys', get a kinky costume, or decide to give role-playing a shot, just remember that a little lovin' goes a long way in boosting both your health and mood.

Grab your art supplies and get your creative juices flowing​ 

Speaking of getting crafty... did you know that something as simple as coloring different geometric patterns can be a powerful stress reliever? You've probably heard about those adult coloring books – there's a good reason behind their popularity. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, certain art activities such as coloring mandalas can help individuals struggling with anxiety. Coloring these relatively complex shapes and patterns for as little as 20 minutes has been found to have anxiety-reducing benefits on the body (unlike free-form coloring). Drawing and painting can also be very beneficial when it comes to stress reduction. Although getting in tune with your inner creativity may take a while, there are techniques that can help you reignite your creative spark and get inspired.

Try your hand at yoga​ 

​We've all scrolled down those #yoga posts and wished we had flexible enough of a body to practice it. While many of the yoga poses may seem downright intimidating, when it comes to practicing yoga, there aren't really any prerequisites in terms of flexibility or body type. A mixture of meditation, controlled breathing, and light physical movement, yoga can be a powerful tool for stress relief. Other than helping you manage anxiety and stress effectively, yoga also brings many spiritual and psychological benefits, not to mention its impact on your physical health. Whether you choose to do your yoga at home by following a YouTube tutorial, download an app on your phone, or decide to take a yoga class is up to you.

Conclusion​ 

​If not dealt with effectively, stress and anxiety can easily turn into chronic conditions, which is when they will start to take a toll on the person's physical and mental well-being. However, battling anxiety and stress doesn't always have to involve medications. On the contrary, there are a number of healthy, natural approaches to coping with stress and anxiety that are equally as effective. The important thing is to try different remedies and strategies, test them, and see what works best for you personally.