Do you feel like your head is full of ‘stuff’ and won’t turn off? Do you feel tense in the shoulders or back, have headaches or digestive issues, or just can’t sleep? We all respond to stress differently so, there’s no “one size fits all” solution to managing stress. But if you feel like the stress in your life is out of control at times, then it’s time to take action and recognise the true sources of stress in your life.

Sometimes we turn to unhealthy ways to cope with stress, such as:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol
• Bingeing on junk or comfort food
• Sitting in front of the TV or computer for hours
• Sleeping excessively
• Withdrawing from friends, family and activities
• Excessive crying, feeling low, angry outbursts
• Can’t shut off your mind
• Procrastinating
• Filling up your day to avoid facing the very things that are causing you stress
• Taking out your feelings on others

Simple ways to manage your stress and relax

1. Get moving — Find some time to exercise a little more, even if it is walking up some extra flights of stairs rather than taking the lift; grab 5 minutes here and there if you are busy.

2. Mingle with others — You are not alone here…think village living, not cave dwelling!

3. Learn to say ‘no’ — This is harder than it sounds but you can do it. Be kind to yourself by creating helpful personal boundaries.

4. Make time for fun — It’s useful to make time in your life for relaxation and laughter! A funny movie or a long chat with a close friend always helps!

5. Fuel your mental health — Keeping a positive attitude or a ‘glass half full’ attitude can help you stay resilient in times of stress.

6. Try essential oils — Consider using Essential oils such as Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, and Rose.

7. Flower Remedies — Try Flower Remedies such as Bach Flower Rescue Remedy or a Stress remedy that a practitioner could prepare for you.

8. Consult an expert — Sometimes it’s useful to get outside help. A trained natural health professional can provide specific advice for reducing the effects of stress on the body. Book a Naturopathic or Nutritional Medicine consultation with one of our student practitioners at your local Endeavour Wellness Clinics.

9. Herbal tea — Drinking herbal tea is an excellent way to support the body daily during periods of high stress. Endeavour Wellness Clinics’ Relaxation Tea contains herbs such as Lemon Balm, Chamomile and Passionflower. Available from your local clinic, in two sizes, this tea is perfect for lowering stress levels.

A closer look at our Relaxation Tea’s ingredients

Chamomile: can be used to help induce sleep as it is mildly sedating and good at relaxing smooth muscles and easing frayed nerves, and, promote a general sense of calmness and well-being. It is great for those with nervousness, stress or anxiety problems.

Lemon Balm: has been used to improve sleep patterns and reduce stress and anxiety.

Passionflower: may provide relief from problems like anxiety, stress and insomnia. It contains a chemical called GABA, which is known to lower your brain activity and provide a sense of calmness.