Daily Zen: Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Welcome to the whirlwind of 21st-century living—constantly on the move, inundated with information, and struggling to catch a breath. It's no wonder our bodies and minds feel like they've run a marathon by the end of each day. Living a healthy and active lifestyle is a powerful foundation for overall well-being, but stress and anxiety can still find their way into our lives, whether it's lurking in the workplace, family dynamics, relationships, or simply the world around us.

Yet, here's the scoop: stress is an inevitable part of life. Knowing this, we can gear up and equip ourselves with tools to tackle it head-on. It's crucial to discover practical ways to manage stress, not just to survive but to thrive, staying happy and grounded in the midst of life's chaos. Think of it as having a stress-busting toolkit at your disposal, ready to guide you through the storm and leave you feeling relaxed on the other side.

In a world where we all experience stress, it's high time we explore achievable, healthy, and natural solutions to ease life's burdens. Here are six proven ways to reduce stress and anxiety that can be easily incorporated into a holistic and active lifestyle.

Start with sleep

Quality sleep is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health. It impacts our bodies and brains in various ways, from regulating stress hormones and immune function to controlling appetite, breathing, blood pressure, and cardiovascular activity. That's why prioritizing good sleep hygiene is crucial to reducing stress and anxiety.

To establish a consistent evening routine that prepares your body and mind for rest, start with nighttime skincare. Additionally, taking a bath before bed can help lower your body's core temperature, which signals your brain to sleep. As you climb into bed, use YUNI's Sleep and Stress collection, which includes an adaptogen, amino acid, and melatonin-infused Slumber Oral Spray and a calming essential oil Pillow Spray, to promote a restful night.

Aromatherapy, daily exercise, and a healthy diet can also help improve your sleep quality. We'll delve into these topics in more detail below.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy serves as a straightforward and portable way to guide our minds away from stress-inducing situations. Rooted in ancient practices, this technique harnesses the power of essential oils, often inhaled, to organically enhance health and well-being by influencing brain waves and behavior. Your olfactory system directly engages with the chemicals in your brain responsible for processing emotions, creating a direct pathway to soothing and balancing your mental state.

Although aromatherapy is considered an alternative medicine, initial studies on the effectiveness of essential oils have shown promising results. The most widely studied use of essential oils is to reduce stress and anxiety levels. It is found that aromatherapy decreases cortisol levels, also known as "the stress hormone." Moreover, when combined with massage therapy, aromatherapy could alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue.

Consider incorporating YUNI's Carry Om Stress-Relieving Aromatherapy Essence into your routine. This portable essential oil mixture contains bergamot, grapefruit, orange, and cedar essential oils, which are specifically designed to calm the mind and create an atmosphere of tranquility regardless of where you are. Apply it to your pulse points during meditation, before going to bed, or whenever you feel stressed.

Move your body every day

Whether you're a yoga enthusiast, a water lover, or prefer the mountains, gym, or your living room for workouts, daily movement is a proven way to reduce stress. We are yogis and water lovers through and through, so when it comes to being active, we head to the mat or the ocean. Whatever gets you moving, we encourage you to embrace it. Be it a serene yoga session or a refreshing ocean swim, consistent movement will help keep your body and mind in sync.

You've probably heard of the "runner's high," which refers to the feeling of joy and optimism after aerobic exercise. This sensation is actually backed by science. In fact, several studies support exercise as a natural way to lower stress and anxiety. It can boost self-confidence, improve mood, promote relaxation, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even better, exercise can also improve sleep quality, which is often affected by stress and anxiety.

Exercise reduces the levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and increases the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers in the brain.

Get outside

Combining exercise with spending time in the great outdoors can be a surefire way to reduce stress levels. Whether it's a trail run, a walk on the beach, or a mountain hike, being in nature enhances the benefits of physical activity and promotes a sense of calmness. Spending time in nature can help reduce physical symptoms of stress and anxiety, such as decreasing your heart rate and cortisol levels.

When you're out exploring, worrying about staying fresh shouldn't add to your stress. With YUNI's convenient Shower Sheets, you can stay prepared for your outdoor excursions without any hassle. These extra-large biodegradable wipes are designed to sweep away dirt and sweat, while revitalizing you with the goodness of aloe and peppermint essential oil.

Healthy diet

The connection between what we eat and how we feel is undeniable. Just like how nutrition impacts our skin, it’s also a powerful tool to fuel our bodies and cultivate a calmer and more resilient mind.

The food we consume directly influences the intricate balance of neurotransmitters and hormones in our brains, affecting our mood, cognitive function, and stress response. By recognizing this dynamic relationship, we gain the ability to make intentional choices that contribute to our overall well-being.

Fueling ourselves with nutrient-rich foods is a cornerstone of stress management. Opt for a colorful array of fruits and vegetables, as they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants known to support cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress. Consider incorporating whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals to provide a balanced and sustained release of energy throughout the day.

Counseling

Sometimes, stress and anxiety require more than lifestyle changes. If stress persists, consider seeking professional counseling to explore effective strategies for managing and alleviating stress.

Embrace these practical tips, tailor them to your natural and active lifestyle, and create a holistic approach to reducing stress and anxiety in your daily life. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being.

Resources:

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/benefits-slumber#

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/exercise#