It’s National Stress Awareness Month! Use These 5 Natural Remedies to Reduce Stress

This article was updated on April 6th, 2021. 

We’ve all been there. You start your day with a positive mindset but the minute something goes wrong you immediately feel stressed. Whether conscious or not, stress is part of our daily lives and COVID-19 has emphasized the difficulties of coping with pressure and fear. From unhealthy weight gains, increased drinking, political unrest and violence, and an uncertain economy, the pandemic infused another layer of stress.

Stress can hinder your productivity and wreak havoc on your health. This National Stress Awareness Month, use these 5 natural remedies to reduce stress.

Lemon Water

Starting your day with warm lemon water is not only a great way to help detoxify your body, boost your immune system and help with weight loss, it’s also a great way to naturally reduce stress. Lemons are known for helping boost energy levels without the caffeine crash.

Magnesium

Magnesium is known for promoting relaxation, but a magnesium deficiency can contribute to stress and anxiety. When you are under extreme stress, the body uses more magnesium. If you need to add more magnesium to your diet, there are supplements and powers available, or you can consume more foods that are high in magnesium such as:

• Kelp
• Almonds
• Cashews
• Parsley
• Avocado
• Brown rice
• Leafy greens

 Epsom Salt Bath 

Taking a hot Epsom salt bath is a great remedy for relieving sore muscles but it can also help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Try adding two cups of Epsom salt to a bath right before bedtime at least once a week.

Lavender 

Lavender is known for its calming abilities. If you are finding it hard to relax at night due to stress, try putting a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillowcase or massage it into your back, neck, and shoulders as part of a stress-relieving bedtime ritual.

Vitamin D

Studies have shown that Vitamin D can reduce symptoms of stress and depression. One of the best ways to get Vitamin D is by going outdoors for 15 minutes a day. If you want to take it one step further, try doing some light exercise in the sun during those 15 minutes. Exercise also helps reduce stress and increases relaxation. With the summer quickly approaching, there is no excuse to skip out on your daily dose of Vitamin D!