In This Article

• Why is it important to find ways to destress?
• Natural Ways to Destress: Mindfulness
• Natural Ways to Destress: Nature
• Natural Ways to Destress: Aromatherapy
• Natural Ways to Destress: Gratitude

You can't escape the stress life throws at you, but once you understand what triggers it, you can focus on managing & incorporating natural ways to destress.

So take a minute and ask yourself: What stresses you out? How do you react to it? mentally or physically - once you understand why you are stressed out you can focus on balancing it.

photo by Amy Treasure mrandmrstplusthree.com

Why is it important to find ways to destress?

Biologically, stress was meant to be experienced in moments of danger (like a wolf lunging at you), only for a brief moment. Not on a daily basis. Chronic stress has been shown to have a lot of negative impact on our health, including (but not limited to):

• High blood pressure
• Tense muscles
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Poor digestion
• Depression
• Acne and flare-ups for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema

 
Now forget all that, and let's focus on how to remove stress out of your mind and body. Everyone responds differently to each technique so never give up on your quest and always try new ways to destress until one clicks with you. 

photo by Leticia Vickner @lifeandtimeofhappywife

Natural Ways to Destress: Mindfulness

Gather all your energy, thoughts and emotions and bring them into the present. We constantly live thinking about whats going to happen next and this is why we should focus and live in the present. We are harming our inner being with constant worry or stress of what may be or what may have happened already. A daily confirmation of living in the present, and being aware of what we are thinking and doing will give your mind peace.

Try making this part of your routine. Maybe first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or when you take a shower. Whenever you can find a quiet, undisrupted moment in you day. It is easier to remember this way to destress when you make it a regular part of your life. 

photo by Andrew Welch

Natural Ways to Destress: Nature

A great way to destress is to get out, and go take a walk in the woods or at your local botanical garden. If you can, walk barefoot. Reconnecting with nature through scent, touch and visuals is a great way to settle the mind and make yourself be more mindful and relaxed. The aromas, the quiet, the beauty, and the exercise all work towards creating a more peaceful you. In case you need a little motivation, did you know that studies have proven that taking a walk in nature does improve mental health? 

photo by @redfox

Natural Ways to Destress: Aromatherapy

Aromas and scents are processed by the same part of our brain that processes emotions. This means that when our nose smells an amazing aroma, we process this scent in our subconscious - and it directly affects the way we feel. For this reason, aromatherapy can be a really powerful way to help you destress.  

It is important to use high quality oils - not fragrances - for aromatherapy to work. Every essential oil has unique properties and energy. Some will uplift you, others will create a sense of calm. Finding the right oils for you will be a (very fun!) trial and error process. Apoterra's signature Tulsi essential oil blend is one that specifically formulated to help you relieve your stress both emotionally and physically. You may find that the blend helps you be in the moment and calms your mind, but also gives a little energy boost when you are feeling down. You can also try using aromatherapy roll ons or mists (made from hydrosol and essential oils). 

If you prefer to start creating your own natural essentials oil blends as a way to destress, we highly recommend you take a course on essential oil safety. The Aromahead Institute has high quality online courses we recommend! 

photo by Kawin Ha

Natural Ways to Destress: Gratitude

Creating positive affirmations on a daily basis is a great technique to feel more alive and destress. Being thankful for what you have will not only increase your well-being but will bring out energy in you. You can practice gratitude in a number of ways including, writing a journal, directly to one another, post it notes or even photography. 

This is in no way a complete list of natural ways to destress, but includes some that we have found to be most effective. Whatever technique may work for you, remember that relieving stress is an ongoing process, so feel free to test new techniques as you are on your path.