Stress affects everyone. Work, family, money – everyone has their fair share of troubled times. But don’t worry! Be ready for National Stress Awareness Day on November 4 by following these all-natural suggestions for relaxing.
Take a walk. Just the very act of leaving your desk or stepping outside your front door can diminish your stress level. Stepping away from a problem will clear your head. There are a myriad of ways walking in the outdoors can help you feel more relaxed, from a quick stroll around the block to a full-blown hike through the forest. Introverted? Take a solo walk in a serene setting and let the sounds of the crackling leaves and birdsong soothe you. Like being around people? Take a stroll through a downtown park and people watch. Thinking about others will take your mind off your own troubles.
Get away from electronics. Leave that Netflix binge for another day. Go outside and really see and hear what is going on around you. That feeling of being “always on” can be agitating. Studies have shown that watching TV in bed interferes with the body’s natural sleep cycle and the light from cell phones and computers tricks your brain into thinking it should still be awake. Even scrolling through social media can be stressful when you feel like you have nothing but problems and you’re seeing post after happy post from others.
Did you know a lack of vitamin D is linked to depression? Where can you get more of it? Outside. Few foods naturally carry this essential vitamin, but 80-90 percent of what you need can be absorbed through sunshine. Soak up some rays for about 10-15 minutes before slathering on the sunscreen, though. While it protects you from harmful UV rays, sunscreen also blocks the absorption of Vitamin D.
Age gracefully. Getting older can be a source of worry for a lot of folks, but a daily dose of outdoors can help you stay healthier longer. One study showed that people who went outdoors daily at age 70 later showed fewer age-related complaints, like aching joints or insomnia, than their indoor loving counterparts. Other studies show that activities like gardening can improve the well being of dementia patients and has great therapeutic value for stroke victims.
Don’t let it slip by: National Stress Awareness Day is Wednesday, November 4. Take the initiative and get outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the world around you and eliminate a little stress from your life!
Images via The Cabin On The Road, zenjazzygeek
