By MegaFood | April 2023
“I’m so stressed.” Chances are, you said that recently, or someone said it to you. Stress is one of those things that’s so common, we notice it and complain about it, but we don’t consistently take steps to reduce it.
Let’s change all that!
First thing: Take a deep breath. According to a Harvard study, simply observing the breath can help reduce feelings of stress. (Keep breathing . . . we’ll wait.)
Now that you’re already feeling less stressed, let’s review some of the easiest, most fun things you can do daily to help relieve stress!
Listen to Soothing Music
Instead of starting each morning watching the news, put on music that relaxes you and eases you into your day.
Flex Your Green Thumb
Before you head off to work or your WFH space, take a moment to check in on your plants. Nurturing them is a subtle reminder to take care of yourself, too.
Drink (More) Water
Just like your plants, you need water to thrive. Consider investing in a large water bottle that holds enough water for the entire day so you can easily track your progress. You’ll be surprised at how dehydration can affect your mood and stress level.
Say Nice Things to Yourself
According to research from the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking helps reduce stress (and can even help you live longer). The researchers suggest starting with one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself you wouldn’t say to anyone else. In other words: Be your own cheerleader!
Doodle It Out
Those aimless sketches or scribbles can actually help you unwind by calming the part of the brain that controls the “fight or flight” response. So spend some time doodling during the day (suggestion: Zoom meetings are a perfect time to doodle).
Eat Lunch With a View
Weather permitting, have your lunch outside (bonus if you can dine with co-workers, family or friends). If the weather is too cold or inclement, have lunch next to a window and take time to notice naturally soothing things like birds and clouds.
Try a New Recipe
Break out a cookbook and break out of your dinner rut with a new recipe. Invite a friend or child/grandchild to cook with you. Don’t rush. Wear aprons. Pretend you’re hosting a cooking show. In other words, have a good time - and give yourself the grace and space to mess up. (Have your favorite take-out place on speed dial just in case.)
Clean With Intention
After trying that new recipe, clean the kitchen - or any spot in the house - with intention. That is, concentrate on the act of cleaning itself, and the way a newly-clean space improves your mood and helps reduce feelings of stress.
Play a Game
Remember how fun it was to play board games when you were a kid? Psst. It’s still fun.
Chews to Address Stress
Our Relax + Calm† Magnesium Soft Chews are a delicious daily way to help ease muscle tension & promote a sense of calm & relaxation.† Curious about the best time of day to take your magnesium? We asked our Medical Director Dr. Erin Stokes, ND: “Because it supports muscle relaxation, taking a magnesium supplement in the evening before bed can be a good time to make sure you’re getting enough each day.†”
Check out our full line-up of Stress + Sleep products.
1 Breath Meditation, Harvard Health Publishing, 2014 https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/breath-meditation-a-great-way-to-relieve-stress
2 Mayo Clinic, Positive Thinking, 2022 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950