fbpx

Ways to de-stress: our top tips

destress top tips

Stress can be difficult to recognise so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms. Many of us can confuse or ignore these symptoms, but recognising them early will help you figure out the best ways of coping. Here are just a few symptoms but you can find out more via the NHS website or mental health charities such as Mind:

  • Feeling anxious or irritable
  • Problems with sleeping or eating
  • Headaches or dizziness
  • Having low self esteem or worrying more

Reducing stress

If you’re feeling any of the symptoms of stress, don’t worry, the good news is that there are many ways to reduce stress. Here are a few things you can add to your daily routine to make life a little easier:

  • Do something active every day. It doesn’t need to be high-intensity or time-consuming, you can even do simple exercises at home such as jumping jacks and lunges or go for a brisk walk around the block.
  • Practise meditation, breathing exercises and mindfulness. Don’t worry – this doesn’t need to be long-winded, it could be a simple 5-minute exercise that can do wonders for your mindset.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet. This is key to helping our bodies manage the physiological changes caused by stress. Not only that, but when you’re feeling stressed, your body actually stores more fat than when you’re relaxed.
  • Less screen time. It’s so easy to get lost down a social media rabbit hole these days, but the less screen time the better, as it affects our ability to sleep, and has links to various mental health issues.
  • Take natural supplements such as magnesium and ashwagandha. These can aid in reducing stress as well as having many other benefits.
  • Take a bath in Epsom salts or use oils such as lavender and rose. These are known to relax the body and mind, improving sleep and providing stress relief.
  • Make time for hobbies such as playing golf or going for a run. Both are excellent ways to de-stress by combining exercise with being outdoors.
  • Reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine has been known to increase cortisol levels and make you feel more “jittery”.

Natural supplements for stress

  • Ashwagandha: An adaptogen which helps our bodies to balance cortisol levels. You can take it as a supplement or have it in your tea.
  • Magnesium: Aiding in brain function, it also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and can even be used for short-term anxiety.
  • Lemon: Full of Vitamin C, this keeps cortisol levels low and calms our nervous system.
  • Valerian Root: This is not only a great supplement to help de-stress your body, but it also assists with sleep quality. 
  • Lavender: Instantly helps to reduce your body’s “fight or flight” mode, using it as an oil can reduce stress and anxiety and regulate irregular breathing. 
  • L-Theanine: Found in black and green tea, this benefits sleeping patterns and boosts the immune system. It can also be taken in tablet form.
  • Vitamin D: It might feel hard to come by living in the UK, but Vitamin D is one of the best ways to lower stress. It increases our serotonin level, often referred to as the “happy hormone”.

Golf as a stress reliever

Golf is a great way to relieve stress – you’re outdoors, absorbing Vitamin D, socialising and doing physical activity. It’s a win-win.

Green space exercise is known to help people manage stress more effectively, but golf is also a thinking game, so it gives you the chance to focus your thoughts on the game in front of you, rather than worrying about other things. It’s the perfect sport to be able to empty your mind! 

With love.golf sessions, you’ll also find yourself feeling empowered, supported and challenged, so if you’re looking for an activity that will help reduce your stress levels, why not try a session? Find your nearest project at love.golf/events 

Scroll to Top