5 Quick Simple Stress Relieving Activities 

👉 Try one or all of these 5 simple effective stress-relieving activities next time you are feeling stressed. 

Why do people feel stressed?

We all feel stressed sometimes. Stress is our body's natural response to demand and overdemand. Work, family challenges, health concerns and financial obligations are part of daily life for many, contributing to stress.  

Why does stress become a problem?

Stress becomes a problem when we don't take time to relax and recharge. With the advances in technology, many of us are living such fast-paced lives making relaxation now more important than ever. Relaxation isn't only about stress relief it's about recharging so that you can live your full potential. Going on holiday once or twice a year just simply isn't enough.

How can we integrate regular stress relief into our daily, weekly and monthly routines?

Here are 5 Quick Simple Effective Stress Relieving Activities (according to science):

1. Move your body (even if it's just for a few minutes): walk, run, stretch, workout, yoga, pilates etc. Many studies have shown the positive benefits of exercise including specifically with regards to a reduction in stress levels.
   
    
2. Reduce caffeine intake (coffee, black tea, green tea, energy drinks, chocolate etc): swap your caffeinated drinks for water and chocolate for another delicious treat. Caffeine is a chemical stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks. Some people are more sensitive than others and as a result may feel increased stress levels or a sense of anxiety when consuming these beverages. 
   
    
3. Meditate: schedule time to meditate. Numerous studies have show that meditating on a regular basis is an effective stress management tool. Meditation can help calm the mind and create a deep sense of relaxation.
   
   Download our free guided gratitude meditation here.
   
    
4. Breathe: practice deep diaphragmatic (belly) breathing or a yoga breathing technique e.g box breathing. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). Deep diaphragmatic breathing on the other hand activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) which helps elicit the relaxation response.
   
    
5. *Ashwagandha: one of the most important Ayurvedic herbs best known for its ability to reduce stress. It is classified as an adaptogen (a substance that helps the body to respond to stress). You can buy ashwagandha inexpensively in powder, tablet and capsule form. For the best effects take ashwagandha daily on an empty stomach in the morning and evening.
   
    

*always speak with your health practitioner first before adding new supplements to your diet