EVERYONE EXPERIENCES FEELINGS OF STRESS. Stress is the body’s natural reaction to difficult situations. The body reacts to stress by releasing hormones to help your body manage the stressful event. While periodically feeling stressed is normal, it is important to find healthy ways to manage those feelings and become more resilient to future stressors.
Try ear seeds
Ear seeds are a small piece of tape with an all-natural ball attached that is applied to the outer ear.
The ball is typically made of metal or natural plant seed, such as vaccaria. The ball, or seed, is used to apply pressure to acupuncture points on the ear, also called acupressure.
A trained practitioner applies ear seeds to specific acupressure points on the outer ear based on the client’s health concerns. Applying pressure to these points may release feel-good chemicals called endorphins that can help calm and relax for stress reduction. The application of ear seeds may also be helpful for nausea and symptoms associated with chemotherapy.
Ear seeds may also benefit conditions such as digestive issues and pain. Ear seeds can be applied to the ear as a standalone therapy or used in conjunction with auricular therapy, also known as needling of the ear.
Practice deep breathing
Deep-breathing exercises take the body out of the “fight-or-flight” mode to help slow breathing, decrease tension in the body, and help slow a racing mind. A simple breathing exercise includes inhaling then pausing before exhaling, which can quickly calm your mind.
Sleep well
Getting good sleep can help with stress reduction. Stress makes your body and mind “run on all cylinders,” which can be exhausting. To help with good sleep, stick to the same bedtime every night and try not to do anything too stimulating, like watching television or looking at your phone an hour before bedtime.
Enjoy movement
Exercise can help release built-up tension in the body from stress, especially in the muscles. Taking a walk, bicycling, or even parking your car a little further out to get extra steps can help release tension.
Managing stress is part of your overall health and emotional well-being. While natural therapies may help, consult a healthcare provider if stress affects your quality of life.
Sip away stress
Many foods and beverages contain natural ingredients that can help calm your body and mind. One great beverage with calming properties is green tea. Have you ever noticed that after you drink green tea, you don’t feel buzzing from the caffeine? That’s because green tea contains theanine. Theanine is an amino acid that relaxes and calms the mind. Green tea also contains antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by stress.
Kylie Study, M.Sc, MSTOM, Dipl.OM, L.Ac, is a licensed acupuncturist at Natural Wellness at Icaria, Powered by ProMedica.
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