4 Self-Care Practices to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

By Alyssa Martinez @ItsMariaAlyssa

Everyone has experienced some stress and anxiety in their lives. Whether you're sitting for an exam or getting ready for an interview, stress and anxiety isn't really a bad thing because it allows you to be prepared for the worst.

However, it can be overwhelming and there are numerous ways to relieve stress and anxiety on your own. That's what I'll be covering in this article!

However, if stress and anxiety is starting to interrupt your daily life irrationally, you should seek professional help as there might be an underlying issue of concern.

CBD Oil

CBD, or cannabidiol is a chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant. CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic properties.

Don't worry, using CBD oil won't make you high because it isn't psychoactive. Though studies on CBD usage are few and far between, current research seems to be optimistic about the many benefits of CBD on your mental health.

A study in 2010 found that subjects with social anxiety disorder (SAD) had drastically reduced anxiety with CBD intake. An all-you-need-to-know guide on CBD oil can be found here.

Going for a Run

Running has plenty of physical health benefits, but it's also great for your mental state.

When you run, your body releases endorphins. These hormones make you feel better about yourself. If you've ever felt the 'runner's high', you've got your endorphins to thank.

Additionally, running can have a carryover to your attitude. A sense of accomplishment such as beating your previous time or even getting breaths of fresh air will improve your outlook on the challenges you currently face!

Prepare Healthy Meals

Greasy burgers and fries are bad for you, and even a bigger no-no when you're going through hard times. There's nothing better than preparing a healthy bowl of salad on your own. The fact that you know you're prepping something healthy for your body is already a mood booster.

Complex carbs such as wholegrain bread and oatmeal prompt your brain to produce serotonin which helps regulate mood. Other healthy foods such as almonds and oranges are great in boosting your immunity which is usually already compromised when you're stressed.

Healthy food doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly healthy food recipes on the internet that will make you drool over.

Napping

Many would think this is counterproductive as sleeping is synonymous with lazy in our society. Unfortunately, society is wrong... Napping is a great way to let off some steam, and if done right it promotes more productivity!

Most of us lack our 7-9 hours of beauty sleep. Since sleep is cumulative, you'll feel the effects over time. This causes fatigue, demotivation, and stress.

Power napping in the afternoon for 20 minutes has shown to be more beneficial than napping in the morning. When you wake up, you'll realize you're more alert, have improved cognitive function, and less stress and anxiety.

However, you should note that there are proper ways of napping. You shouldn't snooze any longer than 20-30 minutes. This is enough time for your body to freshen up without causing sleep inertia.