Things You'll Need:
- Possibly some vitamins or homeopathic remedies.
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Step 1
We all face considerable stress in our daily lives. Spouses, children, money problems, and jobs all contribute to our stress levels. Here are some tips to help you relieve stress naturally.
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Step 2
Take frequent breaks during the day. Do deep breathing during your breaks. Inhale slowly and deeply, filling your abdomen with air. Exhale slowly.
Exercise regularly to remove the buildup of lactic and uric acids. Thirty minutes of activity per day is the minimum to reduce stress. -
Step 3
Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine in coffee, tea, and soda can make stress worse and keep you from sleeping.
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Step 4
Keep to a regular bedtime to get enough sleep. Sleep reduces stress. Take a hot bath before bed or relax in a whirlpool bath. Drink a glass of milk or eat a small snack that includes protein at bedtime. Sleep in the dark.
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Step 5
There are a few nonprescription, dietary supplements that reduce mild to moderate stress levels. Check with your doctor before using them. Do not use them if you are pregnant or nursing. Only try one at a time. These include:
B vitamins, especially B6 and B12.
A multivitamin daily.
Kava kava, an herb that helps anxiety and insomnia. Avoid kava if you drink alcohol or are taking Valium, ****, Seconal, Halcion, Prozac, Zoloft, or any other anti-depressants. Avoid Kava if you have Parkinson’s disease; it may make tremors worse.
St. John’s wort works as an anti-depressant, but it takes several weeks to do so. Research shows it lowers anxiety as well as Valium without slowing the thinking processes. It decreases the removal of serotonin in the brain, calming it. It is not addictive. Avoid St. John’ wort if you take anti-depressants and wear sunscreen when outdoors.
Valerian is a natural sedative that helps you sleep, but isn’t addictive. Don’t use Valerian if you take sedatives.
