7 Natural Ways To Reduce Stress At Home

Kay Carter
Contributing Author, Conscious Reminder

Too much stress—whether emotional or physical—can be detrimental to your health. Because of this, it’s important to determine what’s causing your stress and find a way to reduce it.

There’s no better place to relax and do away with stress than in the home. Your house should offer you the peace of mind and tranquillity that you need to get rid of the stress you’re feeling. Below are seven natural ways of managing stress while at home.

1. Maintain a Clean Environment

If your home is cluttered and messy, chances are you’ll experience some sort of stress. Clutter distracts us by drawing our attention away from what our focus should be on, makes it more difficult to relax, and signals to our brains that our work is never done. Relieve stress by keeping your home as clean as possible. Create designated spaces for frequently used items so that you can quickly find what you’re looking for when you need it and look at what you can keep, donate, or toss.

2. Use Essential Oils

Aromatherapy has been shown to help relieve feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Use an essential oil diffuser or burn a scented candle to fill your home with calming smells. Some favorite scents include lavender, rose, bergamot, frankincense, sandalwood, and geranium.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can anchor you to the present moment, help combat the effects of negative thinking, and increase self-esteem. There are several ways you can work on mindfulness, including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

4. Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to reduce stress. Not only does it lower your body’s stress hormones and release endorphins (these chemicals improve your mood and act as natural painkillers), but it also helps maintain good physical health. Try to find an exercise you enjoy, like yoga or rock climbing, or participate in activities that get your heart rate up (i.e. jogging, cycling, etc.).

5. Spend Time with Friends and Family

Talking to people you trust is arguably one of the best ways of managing stress. Being part of a friend or family network gives you a sense of belonging and self-worth, which can help you get through tough times. If you live with others, strike up a conversation about what’s bothering you. If you live by yourself, call a close friend or family member and let them know what’s on your mind.

6. Sit Down with a Good Book

Reading can help take your off mind off your struggles and give you the chance to slow down. Whether you’re reading for knowledge or entertainment, this simple task can help divert your thoughts from stressful issues and reduce anxiety.

7. Let Out Your Energy

If you’re a handy person, you can relieve stress by taking on chores, fixing appliances, or doing other work around the house. By focusing your mind and energy on the task at hand, you can relieve some of your pent-up stress, be productive, and get things done that have been in the back of your mind for a while.