20 Natural Stress Relief Methods That Everyone Should Add To Their Daily Routine

Discover 20 natural and enjoyable ways to melt away stress- from soothing herbal teas to nature's calming power- and unlock the path to a more peaceful and balanced life.

Alyana Aguja
November 25, 2024
5 min read

20 Natural Stress Relief Methods That Everyone Should Add To Their Daily Routine — Angelina Sarycheva from Unsplash

Stress is a common challenge in today’s fast-paced world, but many natural methods exist to overcome its grip and restore balance. From mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and yoga to straightforward enjoyment like bonding with a pet or a walk in nature, these easy techniques help calm one’s mind and body. Bringing these stress relief practices into your daily routine provides a holistic approach to mental well-being–promoting peace, resilience, and overall health.

1. Deep Breathing Exercises

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Deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response. For four counts, inhale slowly, keeping it for four, and exhale for four. This is a soothing rhythm that calms the mind, lowers heart rate, and eases the body’s physical tension.

2. Mindfulness Meditation

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Mindfulness is the ability to stay in the present without judgment. It makes it easy to release overwhelming thoughts and helps create inner peace. For only five minutes a day, emotional resilience and clarity can improve.

3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

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This technique involves tensing and then releasing different groups of muscles in the body. PMR encourages you to be more aware of where you’re holding stress and consciously release that tension. It can help reduce chronic stress over time, improving sleep.

4. Yoga

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Yoga merges bodily movement, breathwork, and meditation to facilitate holistic wellness. It releases physical tension and leads to mental clarity. This practice may also alleviate the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.

5. Herbal Tea

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Relaxing teas, such as chamomile, lavender, or peppermint, can calm the nerves and the mind. Herbal teas possess a natural quality that combats anxiety and boosts digestive health. One may also view the indulgence of a warm cup as an act of ritual calming.

6. Nature Walks

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Spending time in nature, even just for a walk, can lower cortisol levels and help reduce stress. Nature helps put life back into focus and balance, which improves one’s mood. Walking among trees, flowers, or near water can be grounding.

7. Aromatherapy

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Lavender, eucalyptus, and sandalwood essential oils have sedative and calming effects. They can also be diffused in your home or applied topically to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Aromatherapy stimulates the senses and has a ready-impulse mood effect.

8. Journaling

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Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences helps you process emotions and release tension. Journaling helps clarify thoughts and is an outlet for stress that often helps track patterns, making it easier to recognize and identify stress triggers.

9. Physical Exercise

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Regular physical activity, from walking to intense workouts, releases endorphins, natural mood enhancers. Exercise reduces cortisol and helps clear the mind, making it easier to cope with daily stressors. It also improves sleep, which is crucial for stress management.

10. Laughter

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Laughter is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress and improve mood. It provokes the release of endorphins and relaxes the body. Watching an amusing film or spending time with friends can easily change your perception of something.

11. Listening to Music

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Music has a profound effect on mood and de-stress. Slow, soothing music can slow down heartbeats and reduce anxiety. Play your favorite songs to relax instantly and divert your mind.

12. Visualization

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Visualization involves picturing yourself in a quiet, serene environment, often associated with the beach or forest. Using calming imagery will reduce stress and bring you into a relaxed state of mind. It’s an excellent way to get out of mental overload quickly.

13. Loving-Kindness Meditation

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This form of meditation focuses on positive thoughts and well-wishing for oneself and others. It can develop compassion and dissolve feelings of anger or frustration. Research supports that it improves emotional well-being and reduces stress levels.

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Spending time with friends and family can be an organic antidote for stress. Socializing boosts oxytocin, which encourages relaxation and attachment. Experience sharing with loved ones helps you feel supported and decreases the threat of isolation.

15. Taking a Warm Bath

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A warm bath helps relax muscles, calm tension, and soothe the whole body. Epsom salts or essential oils may be added to increase the therapeutic benefits. Diving into warm water has been a traditional method for reducing stress and anxiety.

16. Grounding (Earthing)

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Grounding refers to walking barefoot in grass, sand, or soil. This will make you more centered and may minimize the effects of stress. Direct experience of the natural energy from the Earth leads to relaxation and balance.

17. Sleep Hygiene

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Establishing a bedtime routine and creating a relaxing environment can improve the quality of your sleep. Good sleep hygiene is essential for managing stress, as poor sleep exacerbates stress levels. Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep to support physical and mental health.

18. Tai Chi

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Tai Chi is a soft style of martial arts concentrated on slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing. It is believed to bring relaxation and balance between the mind and body. Regularly practicing Tai Chi can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

19. Creative Expression

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Engaging in the arts, such as painting, drawing, or even crafting, could allow one to vent pent-up emotions. Creativity can be therapeutic and enhance one’s mood. Even brief moments of artistic expression may create an air of serenity and satisfaction.

20. Spending Time with Pets

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Animals have been proven to reduce stress and increase happiness. Petting a dog, cat, or even a rabbit could release oxytocin related to bonding and relaxation. Animals also give unconditional support, which is a source of comfort during critical moments when tensions are higher.