The past few months as we have all been trying to adjust to life during the Coronavirus pandemic, stress levels are understandably high. In normal times, almost two-thirds of Americans deal with stress on a daily basis. With further demands, fear of infection, and the pressures of quarantine, you may find it difficult to manage your stress.
Stress can have a powerfully negative impact on your whole body. Issues like higher blood pressure, insomnia, depression and anxiety can all be linked back to too much stress in your life. Dealing with stress by adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate everyday pressures can help you learn more effective management skills.
Many people are hesitant to rely on pharmaceutical medications to help relieve their stress symptoms. Medications often come with unwanted side effects and it can take time to find the right treatment for you. Companies like Thorne Research are dedicated to finding and producing the highest quality natural supplements that can help you reduce your stress without a prescription. Let’s take a look at a few of the best stress-busting natural supplements that you can try.
1. Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential nutrient that helps to regulate your nervous and muscular systems. It has been found to promote relaxation and reduce the impact of external stress on your body. As you begin to regulate your natural levels of magnesium, you will find that you are able to ward off the negative body reaction to stress.
2. Melatonin
One of the best cures for stress is to get the right amount of sleep. Unfortunately, many people under a lot of stress have trouble getting the sleep that they need. This vicious cycle can lead to sleep disorders like insomnia. Melatonin helps to regulate a healthy sleep cycle, letting you get the uninterrupted rest that you need.
3. Vitamin B Complex
The series of B vitamins play an important role in controlling your metabolism. If you are not getting enough Vitamin B in your diet, you may suffer from issues like fatigue and depression. Vitamin B deficiency can make it difficult for your body to manage stressful situations. A complex supplement that includes Vitamin B1, B5, B2 and B12 can help you get your levels back to normal.
4. L-Theanine
This rich amino acid is found most commonly in green tea. L-Theanine has been used for decades to treat anxiety and high blood pressure. Creating a more tranquil mood can be a powerful tool to help your body effectively respond to external stresses.
5. Ashwagandha
This powerful root herb has been used in Indian and Asian medicines for centuries. Ashwagandha can help to reduce anxiety, improve your immune system and regulate your mood. If you are dealing with daily stress, a dose of 600mg per day can help you to feel better without any harmful side effects or drowsiness.
6. Valerian Root
Many sleep disorders including insomnia are caused by underlying anxiety. With a lack of proper sleep, issues with depression and stress can be amplified. Valerian root has been used for centuries to promote healthy relaxation and stress relief. Taken before bedtime in capsule form, Valerian root can help to regulate your sleep patterns.
7. Kava Kava
Kava Kava has been used in Asian and African cultures for thousands of years as an effective relaxant. It promotes muscle relaxation and cognitive function. For those that suffer from stress and anxiety, muscle tightness can lead to pain and difficulty sleeping. Taken most commonly in capsule form, Kava Kava can be an effective treatment for anxiety.
8. Rhodiola
This widely used herb is also known by the more common name, Golden Root. Rhodiola is well-known to be an effective treatment for anxiety and stress management. This adaptogen herb can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
9. Lavender
The power of aromatherapy is often overlooked by modern medicine. However, the use of powerful scents to help recenter the mind and body has been a common practice in alternative medicines for centuries. One of the most common scents used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and stress relief is lavender.
This pungent yet sweet scent can help improve mood and relieve anxiety. Lavender is most often used in a natural oil form warmed over a heat source to release the scent but is also available in capsule form to be taken orally. To help induce sleep, you can add a few drops of lavender oil or a lavender-filled sachet under your pillow.
10. Passionflower
This beautiful flower, native to the mountain region of Peru, is used to relieve restlessness and anxiety. Passionflower can cause sleepiness and should only be taken close to your normal bedtime. It can help relax tense muscles and regulate abnormal sleep cycles.
11. Vitamin D
There is an important connection between healthy Vitamin D levels and depression. When your body is lacking the right amount of Vitamin D your mood can be erratic, leading to feelings of anxiety and stress. The body naturally produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. If you can’t get out in the sun as much as you would like, a Vitamin D supplement can help to elevate your mood, regulate your nervous system and relieve stress.
12. Chamomile
This lovely flower that is part of the daisy family has been used for generations to help relieve stress and reduce anxiety. A normal dose of 1500mg per day can help regulate mood and minimize anxiety. Chamomile is most commonly taken as an herb steeped into tea but can also be found in an essential oil or capsule format.
13. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is created by crushing the leaves of this plant, which is closely related to mint. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It can be taken in capsules or drank as a tea. Patients that take a regular dose of 1.5mg per day say that they have more manageable stress levels.
Life is moving faster than ever before, making stress management a real challenge for many people. Following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and rest are paramount in helping your body deal with stress. If you are struggling, it may be time to add a supplement to your diet to help you get back on track naturally.