Stress. We all know it and we all hate it. Everyone has felt stress at some point in their lives, one way or another. Most people don’t know what stress is or how to deal with it. Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. That is why we feel stressed out about tests, projects, major life decisions, and holidays. Throughout life we will all be stressed at one time or another, that is why The Clarion is here to tell you some ways to relieve some of your stress.

• Exercise: This is one of the most important things you can do to cope with stress. The benefits of exercising are incredible. Those who exercise regularly are less likely to have anxiety and stress to those who don’t. Exercising will help lower your stress hormones and improve your sleep quality.
• Candles and Essential Oils: Lighting certain candles or using a diffuser for essential oils in your room will help reduce the tensions of stress. Some best smells to use when you are feeling stressed are lavender, rose, vetiver, bergamot, roman chamomile, neroli, frankincense, sandalwood, ylang ylang, orange or orange blossom, and geranium. Using smells to help relieve stress or mood is called aromatherapy and it also helps improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety.
• Reduce Caffeine: While I know this might be hard for some of us because we do love our caffeine, it will increase anxiety which then will increase your stress level. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. You might not necessarily have to cut caffeine out completely, but decreasing how much you drink or eat daily will help.
• Write Things Down: Writing down what is stressing you out will help keep you on task. By writing down all the things that are stressing you out, you will be able to physically see what you have to get done. Then after the task is complete cross it out and you will feel satisfaction afterwards.
• Laughter: Laughter cures everything. Laughing helps relieve stress response and tension by relaxing your muscles. Go onto YouTube and find something funny to watch. A little laughter will help go a long way.
• Yoga and Meditation: One of my favorite ways to de-stress is by taking a yoga class. Yoga and meditation has become a very popular method or stress relief and exercise. The main goal of yoga is to join your body and mind. The benefit of yoga for stress and anxiety seems to be related to its effect on the nervous system and stress response. Yoga may help lower cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.
• Listen to Soothing Music: Music can have such an impact on the body, especially soothing music. Slow-paced instrumental music induces relaxation response by helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate along with stress hormones. Nature sounds, along with Native American and Indian music, are very soothing and calming.