Three Tips For Combating Stress Naturally – a note from Steve

I’m a busy professional who’s always running from point A to point B. I work in the city at a fast-paced advertising agency, which means long commutes and late nights at the office. Having been promoted last year, the pressure to perform well at work has only increased now that I’m in a management role.

In addition to a hectic workplace schedule, my children’s extracurricular activities (Jacob’s weekly lacrosse games and Brianna’s after-school karate classes) eat up every free moment that my wife and I have. Downtime? Unless you count sleep, I haven’t had a real break from the hustle and bustle in a long time.

A few weeks ago, I started experiencing bouts of anxiety. I would be in the middle of a presentation and suddenly, my hands would get shaky and I couldn’t catch my breath. These episodes weren’t just limited to the workplace, either. Eventually, my nerves started acting up at home. It became harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning or off the couch after dinner. I would pick up every flu or cold that was going around and as a result, my performance on the job started to slip. I forgot about meetings and missed deadlines. My wife, thank goodness, ended up picking up the slack at home. Finally, she asked me if I was depressed. I wasn’t, though. I was just exhausted and over-worked and running on fumes. In other words, I was stressed to my very bones.

For many of you, this play-by-play probably sounds all too familiar. If you’re a career-focused individual, you’ve probably experienced the damaging effects of stress firsthand. You can try changing jobs or modifying your commute, but you can’t get rid of stress – at least, not entirely. There will always be something in your life, whether at work or at home, that’s going to cause emotional or physical strain. There are several natural and effective ways to manage stress. Here are a few that worked for me:

Deep Breathing & Meditation

You can ease anxiety and better cope with stress when you’re relaxed. I find deep breathing and meditation helpful for calming my nerves and restoring focus. Taking 10 or 15 minutes a day to concentrate on my breathing and emptying my mind of negative thoughts is incredibly beneficial.

Exercise

It may sound contradictory, but setting aside some time to stay physically active can actually reduce your stress. I’ve started hitting the company gym during my lunch in order to expel tension while getting back into shape. When I work out, I actually feel more energized and centered than if I were just to have a quiet lunch at my desk.

Supplements

There are plenty of high-quality supplements on the market that can help you recharge your batteries. Look for supplements that contain B vitamins and adaptogens like cordyceps, rhodiola and ginseng. Adaptogens boost energy levels, speed up recovery and improve our mood. Not sure which supplement to take? I recommend Easymulti Stress for Men or Easymulti Stress for Women by Platinum Naturals.  

If you find that these natural solutions aren’t working for you, consult with your natural health practioner or family physician for other alternatives.

Talk soon,

Steve