Traffic, work, kids, bills, and the list goes on ““ there are plenty of potential stressors in our daily lives, bombarding us from the moment we wake up until the time we (finally) get to sleep. Stress may be inevitable, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. Try these three tips to tame daily tension:
- Aromatherapy: Stop and smell the lavender, peppermint and chamomile. Just a whiff of one of these soothing scents can stop tension in its tracks. Other popular stress-busting scents include rosemary, sandalwood, geranium and basil. You can find aromatherapy products in the form of oil diffusers, candles, incense and personal care products such as shampoos and bubble baths.
- Nutrients: There are a number of nutrients that can help you manage everyday stress. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that is made in the human body and secreted by the adrenal gland. Supplementing with DHEA may help promote normal hormone balance, stable mood and a sense of well-being. B-vitamins are well known for their ability to help support the body’s response to stress. Magnesium may also contribute to healthy mood and stress management.
- Healthy Habits: Prepare your body to fight back against stress and tension by developing general healthy habits. These include getting ample sleep (7-8 hours per night), exercising (at least 3 times per week), eating a healthy diet and drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day. It’s also important to develop relaxing habits and to take a break from stressful tasks to give your body time to recharge.