Other Ways to Reduce Stress and Soothe Anxiety

We feel anxious when our fight-or-flight stress response is triggered. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system is intended by nature to be followed by the relaxation response, which we can induce by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. If we’re anxious, we are more likely to make poor decisions about what we eat. If we’re relaxed, hopefully, we will make better decisions about what we eat. The following activities, along with an anxiety-free eating plan that is in my new book, can help us relax and recover when we’re feeling stressed:

• Spending time in nature
• Prayer
• Meditation
• Talking to a friend
• Exercise—at least 30 minutes per day of moderate activity
• Gratitude—make a list of what you’re thankful for before bed or upon waking in the morning
• Aromatherapy with essential oils
• Create a vision board and set goals for yourself
• Revisiting your happy memories
• Listening to music
• Sleeping
• Yoga or stretching
• Spiritual healing
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Acupressure. Pressing on the yin tang pressure point located at the midpoint between your eyebrows can help relieve stress and anxiety. To do this, sit back in a comfortable position. Place your right thumb or forefinger between your eyebrows and hold it there for a few minutes while breathing. Close your eyes and do your best just to let go of stress and worry.