How to Manage Stress Without Medication

Stress is something we all deal with on a daily basis. There is some good stress that keeps us motivated and moving. However it is usually too much stress that wears us out, makes our nerves raw, and shortens our tempers. While medication can and does help, there are natural ways to reduce stress without medication.

One of the simplest ways to reduce stress is to take a hike. Put on some comfortable clothes and supportive shoes then head out for a walk. In the warmer months you can check out a park and enjoy nature while you relax. In the colder months some people are mall walkers. Go with whichever one is the most calming for your nerves.

A day at a spa may seem ideal to some for relaxation. If you cannot go to one, you can create your own spa-like environment experience at home. If you do not have body scrubs, masks, or treatments you can look up recipes on the Internet. Then follow up with a hot bubble bath with aromatherapy candles. And if you are so inclined, treat or give yourself a pedicure or manicure. The more stressed you feel beforehand, the more you can pamper your way into a calmer state of mind.

A fun way to reduce stress is to let your inner child play. Give yourself your own toy box just for you with art supplies and craft items, modeling clay, and a bottle of bubble solution with a bubble wand. Think five years old. What was fun when you were a child that you could adapt to your current lifestyle?

Have you ever tried pet therapy to reduce stress? Rescue a pet from a shelter and spend time with them. Have a dog chase a Frisbee. Have a cat play with yarn. Go for a horse ride if you are able to or visit a zoo. Nature in all its forms and beauty can be calming to experience.

Do you have nostalgia for Pac Man? Find old video games you liked as a child. There are places online you can play them without downloading them. Or maybe you could find old video game systems at a yard sale or on Ebay.

Shall we dance? Moving to music is a good way to deal with stress. Whether it is going somewhere to dance or at home just enjoying music and movement. Music and dancing can help relieve stress.

Have you had a good laugh lately? If you feel you need medication for dealing with stress, laughter may be the right prescription for the ailment. Try renting comedy movies and doing a marathon weekend with comfort snacks. If you have children in your life, they are some of the best teachers at learning to laugh for the sake of laughing.

Sometimes when we are stressed and feel like everyone is pushing our buttons, it is hard to step back from the situation. Even if it is only taking a deep breath and counting to ten in your head to pass the moment, there are ways that help reduce stress naturally. Have fun with it. Be creative. Be in the moment. Sometimes we are so busy being a human doing we forget to be a human being.