It’s a stressful world we are living in, and a troubled time marred by pandemics, deepening international tension and economic worries. It’s no wonder that more and more people are feeling anxious, stressed and depressed.
At the same time, however, people are not exactly thrilled at the prospect of becoming heavily medicated, nor at the prospect of having to drink more wine or smoke more cigarettes just to achieve some sense of relaxation. What these people need are some natural products that help with that. Below are some ideas to get started.
1. Kava
This amazing root comes from the pacific islands, mostly from Fiji and Vanuatu. Polynesian cultures have sworn by the relaxing effects of the kava root and the tea one can easily derive from it for thousands of years. Now, consumers in many countries enjoy a range of wholesale Kava options, from instant powders to the more traditional root preparations for kava tea. There are even kava-infused drinks.
Kava has an effect on the brain not unlike that of alcohol, but without the negative aspects associated with alcohol use. It provides that sense of relaxation and calmness, but without the total loss of inhibition, the physical and mental impairment, and indeed without the hangover the next day. People mostly use it as a way to de-stress and remove feelings of anxiety so that they can enjoy a more relaxed evening, or get a good night’s sleep without such thoughts preying on their mind.
2. Exercise
OK, we admit that this one isn’t exactly a “product” but it’s a natural method of relaxing that’s also terrifically good for your body at the same time. Exercise burns off excess energy that would otherwise be channelled into your anxiety and stress. Research has been done to show that exercise is an effective tool against anxiety, but it’s not a miracle cure. If you’re inclined to exercise, make it a part of your de-stressing routine as well as your fitness and diet routine.
3. Cannabidiol Oil (CBD)
The name might look familiar to you, and yes this product is a derivative of the cannabis plant. However, fear not. CBD doesn’t contain the key “high” ingredient of cannabis as a drug, namely tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. You can therefore find CBD in many good health shops, and it’s just a matter of placing a drop under the tongue and holding it there for 30 seconds or so without swallowing.
4. Herbal Teas
If you’ve never tried detoxing green tea, or sleep-helping chamomile tea, then perhaps it’s time to give some herbal teas a shot. The good news is that there are far more types of tea than there are problems to solve with it. Ask your tea vendor about which particular blends work to help with relaxation. Chamomile in particular is known to have a positive impact on the level of cortisol in your body, which is a stress hormone.
5. A Dog or Cat
Once again, it’s not a “product” per se, but it’s hard to argue that a loving dog or cat is not a natural pathway to greater relaxation and stress-free life. Dogs and cats bring unconditional love and support to the table, something that can be extremely comforting and helpful when you’re not just feeling a bit tense, but rather stressed and worried. These animals — especially dogs — are also known to be able to sense when you are distressed and subsequently dial up the supportiveness. That’s why they make such great emotional support animals.
