Stress relief is something we all need, but it may seem impossible considering the busy lives many of us lead. Although all stress isn't bad (it can help protect you during a threatening situation), chronic stress can negatively impact your health.
Stress can increase your chances of developing health problems, such as depression, high blood pressure, and even obesity.[2] There's more than one way to relieve stress. What works for one person won't necessarily work for another. Experiment with various stress relief methods to see what works best for you.
Signs of Stress
Stress can effect your health, whether you realize it or not. And since many of the symptoms for stress are also signs for other common health problems, it's an easy condition to overlook or write-off as just a nagging headache or ordinary fatigue. Stress can impact every system of the body, from your mood to behavior, sleep patterns and how you feel physically. Here are some common symptoms of stress:
Anger
Irritability
Back pain
Headaches
Worry
Depression
Insomnia
Stomach troubles
Weight gain
Weight loss
Inability to focus
Muscle tension
Frequent/serious colds
Stress hormone
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It helps regulate blood pressure, glucose metabolism, insulin, and the immune system. Cortisol production is high in the morning, and low at night.
When your body is in a "fight or flight" situation, cortisol elevates and manufactures changes in your body's chemistry, such as improved memory, lower pain sensitivity, and an energy surge.
When cortisol is elevated for long periods of time, it can wreak havoc on your body's ability to function normally. You may have trouble sleeping, losing weight, or simply coping with everyday situations.
Persistent stress -- and high cortisol levels -- can impair your brain's performance and even decrease bone density, decrease muscle tissue, elevate blood pressure, and increase body fat.
Stress management benefits
Learning to cope with stress or finding ways to keep anxiety from impacting your physical and mental health, you can sleep better, have better relationships, feel happier, and more content. The benefits of managing stress include:
Better weight management
Improved overall health
Recover from illness faster
Feel happier and content
Sleep better
Improve your relationships
List your stressors
Start keeping a stress journal. List your stressors, their causes, how they make you feel, and how you've dealt with them in the past. After two or three months, review your entries and look for problematic patterns.
Notice how you cope with stress
Record how you cope with your stressors. These responses can worsen your physical and mental health:
- Binge eating
- Spending your free time watching television, surfing the Internet, or playing video games
- Procrastinating
- Sleeping
- Using drugs and/or alcohol
- Fighting (verbal or physical)
Healthy ways to cope with stress are avoiding unnecessary stress, altering stressful situations, adapting to stressors, accepting things you can't change, fitting in fun and relaxation, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Stress Management Methods
Let's take a closer look at the healthy ways to cope with stress.
Avoid unnecessary stress
You can't avoid all stress, but you can ditch some of it. For one thing, you can learn to say "no." Are you the only person that can do tasks A, B or C? Probably not. Know your limits. Delegate responsibility.
Limit your association with people who stress you out. If you can't fix a relationship, end it. If someone you work with is difficult to interact with, avoid contact with them if possible.
Avoid controversy. Leave the room if someone starts talking about a topic that makes your blood boil. Refrain from discussing politics and religion in mixed company.
Choose not to facilitate stress. Take a less-congested road home from work, avoid travel mayhem by taking "stay-cation holidays," and avoid crowds by shopping online.
Make a doable "do" list. You probably have a mega "do" list. Sticky notes everywhere, too? Keep the "must-do" items and ditch the rest. Accomplish the most important things, then move on to the "should-do," "bucket", and other lists.
Altering the situation
Plan. Schedule a limited number of tasks per day. Allow time for breaks and meals. If you sit a lot during the day, take a few minutes to stretch or walk each hour. If you are a stay-at-home mom, on your feet most of the day, take time to relax with a book or call a friend while the kids are napping.
Communicate. If something is bugging you, tell someone before you boil over, so you can work together to find a solution.
Compromise. Give and take can do wonders to lower stress levels. Talk it out, listen to others, be willing to give a little, and experience others doing the same in return.
Put your foot down (nicely): If you've got work to do, make it known to chatty co-workers. If you feel people are always taking advantage of your easy-going nature, start sticking up for yourself.
Adapt
Be positive. No matter what is stressing you out, there are always things io be grateful for. Think of the first time your baby smiled, or a crucial time a friend lent support.
Use delays productively. If you're waiting in line, read and answer some work emails. Or check some of your to-do lists, adding new tasks and striking off those you've completed.
Don't put perfectionism on a pedestal. Nobody's perfect. Be sure the demands you put on yourself and others are reasonable.
Keep things in perspective. Honestly, is the problem worth losing sleep over, or screaming at your husband about? Will you even remember this "crisis" six months from now? Or even next week? If not, relax. Use your energy for something a more worthwhile battle -- you're sure to have one or two.
Acceptance
Accept that you can't control everything. Concentrate instead on what you can control. You can't change the fact that you must drive to your office everyday. You can, however, ask your manager if you can push your shift back or forward 30 minutes so you can avoid rush hour traffic.
Talk about it. If you can't deal with a stressor on your own, consult a therapist or talk to a friend. Even if the person can't fix the problem, talking about a problem is sometimes enough to make you see that the issue is more manageable than you originally believed.
Look for a silver lining. You may not like your situation, but you can learn from it.
Forgive and forget. Mistakes happen. Holding a grudge is the same as bottling your anger.
Create downtime
Stay connected. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people.
Get a daily dose of fun. Take time to do at least one fun thing every day.
Take five. Take time to rest, relax, and restore your energy. Try meditation, visualization, stretching, deep breathing, or just taking a nap.
Laughter. It helps the body battle stress.
Choose health
Eat balanced, healthy meals, and snacks. Consume whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low- or non-fat dairy, and healthy fats. Cool it on the sugar, caffeine, salt, and processed foods.
Exercise. Get your heart pumping with moderately intense aerobic activity, such as walking fast or working in the garden, for 30 minutes a days, five day a week. Include strength training with weights or body weight at least two times weekly, as well. Make it fun, not a chore!
Avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, and taking drugs.
Get regular sleep. Chronic fatigue can fuel stress. Fuel your body and mind instead, with at least seven hours of sleep each night.
Anti-stress supplements
The supplements listed on this page are specifically marketed for battling stress. However, there are other incredible compounds on this site that you must explore.
Rhodiola rosea
The adaptogen and L-theanine - the mellow mino
The most important two are Rhodiola rosea and L-theanine, both of which were discussed on "Unleashing the Power of the Female Brain," a June 2013 episode of the Dr. Oz show with brain scan researcher Daniel G. Amen, MD.
Mucuna pruriens
Cortisol relief
Above, we reported that prolonged cortisol levels is a major physical issue. One great supplement to help reduce cortisol is to take mucuna pruriens before bed. It contains L-Dopa, and will not only reduce cortisol, but it will boost growth hormone levels as well -- leading to incredible sleep for some users.
Omega-3 and fish oil
An improper diet is a major cause of mental issues. Westerners get far too much omega-6 fatty acids, and not enough omega-3 fats (such as those from fish). An omega-3 supplement from fish oil may help balance this out, but fixing your diet is far more important.
Herbs
If you'd like to try an herb/spice that's been linked to lower stress and potential appetite suppression, check out our saffron page.
As always, we are not doctors on this site, and no statements on this page have been approved by the FDA. You must get written consent from your doctor before beginning any new diet or supplementation program.
PricePlow is a price comparison engine for nutritional supplements and vitamins. We have stress relief supplements discussed at the bottom of this article, and also link you to the two most effective herbs / extracts (Rhodiola rosea and L-theanine) which are listed in another part of this site.
References
- HelpGuide.org; "Stress Management"
- Healthfinder.gov; "Stress Management"
- Paula L. Pedene; U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs; Phoenix VA Health Care System; "Quick Stress Relief Pointers;" 2012
Stress Relief News on PricePlow
-
Jun 02, 2023 Blog Post
New Rhodiola Salidroside Research: Neuroprotective Hormesis & Gut Health
Two studies on salidroside in Rhodiola have been published in 2023: Improved gut health and hormesis for longevity and neuroprotection. See them here! -
May 25, 2023 Product News
Swanson L-Theanine was created.
Category: L-Theanine -
May 14, 2023 Product News
Nature Made wellblends Calm Mind & Body was created.
Categories: Ashwagandha, Gummy Supplements, Stress Relief -
Apr 29, 2023 Product News
EVLution Nutrition Apigenin was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Apr 27, 2023 YouTube Video
AstroFlav Embrace: Premier Women's Hormonal Support -
Apr 22, 2023 Product News
Swanson Calm Concentration was created.
Categories: Memory Supplements, Stress Relief -
Apr 20, 2023 Product News
Swanson Relora was created.
Category: Relora -
Apr 05, 2023 Product News
Swanson 5-HTP was created.
Category: 5-HTP -
Mar 30, 2023 YouTube Video
What is ANANDAMIDE?! Your Own Cannabinoid for Sleep, Pain, & Stress -
Mar 07, 2023 Product News
Swanson Suntheanine L-Theanine was created.
Categories: L-Theanine, Suntheanine -
Mar 07, 2023 Product News
Swanson Anti-Stress Formula was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Mar 05, 2023 Product News
Natural Factors Stress-Relax 5-HTP has new variations: Category: 5-HTP -
Mar 05, 2023 Product News
Swanson Adaptogenic Herbval Complex was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Mar 03, 2023 Product News
Swanson Sensoril was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Mar 02, 2023 YouTube Video
Morphogen AlphaGen Pre-Workout: A Monster Dose of Tyrosine -
Feb 17, 2023 YouTube Video
Ghost Glow Remastered: Look Good, Feel Great -
Feb 17, 2023 Product News
KOS Kiss Your Blues Away was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Feb 16, 2023 YouTube Video
Morphogen Adaptogen ZING: Adaptogenic Power for Your Morning Coffee -
Feb 04, 2023 Product News
KOS At Ease, Soldier! was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Jan 28, 2023 Product News
Red Dawn Zen-X has new variations: Category: Stress Relief -
Dec 11, 2022 Product News
Nature Made Stress B-Complex was created.
Categories: Stress Relief, Vitamin B -
Nov 30, 2022 Product News
Natural Factors Stress-Relax Saffron Extract 100% Pure was created.
Categories: Saffron, Stress Relief -
Nov 30, 2022 Product News
Natural Factors Stress-Relax Adrenal Serenity was created.
Categories: Adrenal Fatigue, Stress Relief -
Nov 16, 2022 YouTube Video
UMZU ZUUM?! Naturally-Sweetened Pre-Workout with Nitrosigine! -
Nov 03, 2022 Product News
Red Dawn Zen-X was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Oct 24, 2022 Product News
EVLution Nutrition L-Theanine was created.
Category: L-Theanine -
Oct 16, 2022 Product News
Leviathan Nutrition Vizure was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Sep 26, 2022 Product News
Paradise Herbs Sun Theanine was created.
Category: Suntheanine -
Sep 25, 2022 Product News
Paradise Herbs Adaptogen was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Sep 02, 2022 Product News
NutraBio L-Theanine has new variations: Category: L-Theanine -
Aug 09, 2022 Product News
Source Naturals Theanine Serene was created.
Categories: L-Theanine, Stress Relief -
Jul 21, 2022 Product News
Nordic Naturals Stress Relief Gummies was created.
Categories: Gummy Supplements, Stress Relief -
Apr 06, 2022 YouTube Video
FIRST OF ITS KIND | MorphoCalm by Morphogen Nutrition -
Apr 06, 2022 Product News
Solaray SharpMind was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Mar 22, 2022 Blog Post
Morphogen Nutrition MorphoCALM Stress + Anxiety Support
Morphogen Nutrition MorphoCALM is a premium stress-relief supplement, and the first to use RhodioPrime 6X in an anti-anxiety type of an application! -
Feb 21, 2022 Blog Post
Morphogen Nutrition Rebrands! Ben Hartman #2 | PPP #063
Ben Hartman re-joins the PricePlow Podcast to talk about Morphogen Nutrition's major re-launch and re-brand! -
Feb 11, 2022 YouTube Video
MORPHOGEN REBRAND! | Ben Hartman PricePlow Podcast -
Jan 12, 2022 Blog Post
Gerhard Hoermann: NuLiv Science Expanding Its Offerings | PPP #059
Gerhard Hoermann of NuLiv Science talks about the end of 2021 and the company’s ingredient offerings which go well beyond AstraGin and Senactiv! -
Dec 10, 2021 Product News
Olly Ultra Strength Goodbye Stress was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Dec 05, 2021 Product News
Olly Goodbye Stress was created.
Categories: Gummy Supplements, Stress Relief -
Dec 05, 2021 Product News
HUM Nutrition Big Chill was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Dec 05, 2021 Product News
HUM Nutrition Calm Sweet Calm was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Nov 26, 2021 Product News
Natrol Relaxia Night Calm was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Nov 26, 2021 Product News
Natrol Relax + Ultimate Calm was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Nov 08, 2021 Product News
Natrol Relax + Night Calm was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Nov 08, 2021 Product News
Natrol Relax + Day Calm was created.
Category: Stress Relief -
Sep 04, 2021 Product News
Mason Naturals 5-HTP was created.
Category: 5-HTP -
Jul 29, 2021 Blog Post
Revive MD Starter Stack: Step 1 in Reviving Your Health
Revive MD makes excellent supplements, but where to start? The simple answer is their STARTER Stack, which has CALM+, Daily Greens, and Immune Multi! -
Apr 26, 2021 YouTube Video
SERENITY V2 by Glaxon! -
Apr 23, 2021 Blog Post
Glaxon Serenity: Stress Support and Cortisol-Controlling Calm
Serenity may be the best product Glaxon has released thus far. It contains four powerful ingredients that work together to decrease stress and cortisol! -
Apr 21, 2021 YouTube Video
BRAIN+ by Revive MD- Stim free BRAIN HEALTH -
Jan 11, 2021 Blog Post
PricePlow’s 2020 Supplement Industry Awards
PricePlow's 2020 Supplement Industry Awards are up, and in 14 videos, we go over 12 major awards for the best sports supplements of 2020! -
Dec 29, 2020 YouTube Video
GLAXON SERENITY | PricePlow's Supplement of the Year 2020 -
Nov 24, 2020 Blog Post
Rhodiola: The Salidroside-Powered Adaptogen of the Vikings
Rhodiola is an adaptogen used to relieve stress, boost endurance, and improve nootropic cognition, and we believe SALIDROSIDE is the underrated part. -
Nov 19, 2020 Blog Post
Revive MD Ashwagandha: Combat Stress with KSM-66
Revive MD understands that excessive amounts of stress can quickly halt your progress. So they developed Revive MD Ashwagandha to help you manage stress. -
Nov 06, 2020 YouTube Video
TRUWILD Motion Breakdown | OUTDOOR ACTIVE FUEL -
Jul 16, 2020 YouTube Video
Ghost GLOW Product Breakdown: Look Good, Feel Great! -
May 16, 2020 YouTube Video
LESS STRESS - MORE GAINZ | Glaxon Serenity Breakdown and Review -
Apr 09, 2020 Blog Post
Chris Bumstead: “The Comeback Kid” – Revive MD Athlete Profile
Chris Bumstead won the the 2019 Classic Physique Mr. Olympia, now learn his story. After several medical issues, he prioritized HEALTH - and won! -
Nov 07, 2019 Blog Post
MFIT SUPPS Stress-66: CDB-Powered Serenity!
MFIT SUPPS Stress-66 is a natural cortisol reducing supplement from two very popular ingredients: KSM-66 Ashwagandha and CBD from Hemp Oil! -
Oct 28, 2019 Blog Post
MFIT CBSleep: CBD-Powered Sleep Aid by a Trusted Manufacturer
MFIT SUPPS CBSleep is a simple yet effective hemp / CBD (Cannabidiol) based sleep aid: Just 25mg high-quality CBD and melatonin to get you to sleep! -
Oct 18, 2019 YouTube Video
NutraBio CAFFPlus - A 150mg Caffeine Pill with 200mg L-Theanine -
Aug 27, 2019 YouTube Video
Nootropics for a Competitor: Brandon DaCruz Focuses While Dieting -
Jun 04, 2019 Blog Post
PEScience Omnizen: An All-Powerful Mood Booster!
PEScience Omnizen is a full-spectrum mood-boosting stress relief supplement with four clinically-dosed ingredients. Come get your zen... Omnizen! -
Apr 27, 2019 YouTube Video
Tim Kennedy's Pre Workout! Relentless PRE TRAINING Review -
Apr 23, 2019 Blog Post
NutraBio Caff Plus: A Smoother-Sailing Energy Pill -
Mar 08, 2019 YouTube Video
Can't Sleep? SteelFit Steel Dreams Sleep Aid May Help! (Ingredients) -
Feb 09, 2019 YouTube Video
Europe's Best Pre Workout?! Chaos Crew BRING THE CHAOS Review! -
Feb 02, 2019 Blog Post
NutraBio 5-HTP: Bring the Sleep, Smiles, & Appetite Suppression
NutraBio 5-HTP with added Vitamin B6 helps your body produce more of the "happy hormone" serotonin, which could mean better sleep, mood, and appetite. -
Jan 11, 2019 Blog Post
NutraBio KSM-66 Ashwagandha: Trusted and Tested Ashwagandha for Everyone
NutraBio KSM-66 Ashwagandha has 600mg of time-tested full-spectrum ashwagandha (withania somnifera) in each capsule, and is third-party tested too! -
Apr 04, 2018 YouTube Video
KRATOM (Good or Bad?) -
Apr 02, 2018 YouTube Video
The Supplement That Saved Him | The Genius Brand Genius Joy -
Dec 22, 2017 Blog Post
SAMe Supplements: Better Mood the Natural Way
S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe supplement) is a naturally-occurring brain-enhancing nootropic that supports liver health and was studied on depression! -
Dec 20, 2017 Blog Post
SNS Reduce XT Means Complete Cortisol Control
SNS Reduce XT can help you finally get that stress-inducing cortisol under control, which may get you on your way to reducing stubborn belly fat. -
Sep 08, 2017 Blog Post
Genius Joy Supplement Brings Heightened Cognition AND Mood
Genius JOY is a combination of nootropic and mood enhancing ingredients designed to alleviate stress and beat the blues. Have you used SAMe yet?? -
Jul 28, 2017 Blog Post
The Socialite by NooWave: A Supplement Remedy for Introverts
The Socialite by NooWave is a revolutionary cutting edge anxiolytic mix of ingredients to increase an introvert’s energy and reduce social anxiety. -
Sep 14, 2016 Blog Post
The 2016 FDA NDI Draft Guidance Document: How To Destroy The ENTIRE Dietary Supplement Industry in 102 Pages
The FDA's 2016 NDI Draft Guidance looks like the beginning of a multi-pronged attack on the dietary supplement industry. Read and fight this ASAP! -
Jul 08, 2016 Blog Post
Plexus Edge: Questionably Overpriced Energy Pill?
Plexus Edge looks to be the answer to every individual's daily energy crisis. But is it worth the high price tag? -
Nov 04, 2015 Blog Post
Best Sleep Aid Guide: Supplements, Ingredients, & Herbs
What's the Best Sleep Aid? It depends if you want a full-blown sleep aid supplement, or just a single-ingredient herb or compound. We cover it all! -
Jan 20, 2014 Blog Post
The Top 5 Anxiety Supplements
Many people are extremely anxious, and looking for was to relax, de-stress, and calm down. Here's our Top 5 List of Supplement Ingredients for Anxiety
Sign up for future Stress Relief news!
Click the button below to sign up for future Stress Relief news, deals, coupons, and reviews!
Stress Relief Price Alerts
The following price alerts are still active:
- May 28, 2023Natrol 5-HTP 30 Capsules (only 50mg) dropped by 8.3% to $9.58 at eVitamins
- May 23, 2023Solaray L-5-hydroxy Tryptophan 60 Capsules (only 50mg) dropped by 35.5% to $11.33 at Best Price Nutrition
- May 18, 2023NOW 5-HTP 90 Vcaps dropped by 8.6% to $9.04 at iHerb.com
- May 17, 2023NutraBio 5-HTP 90 Vcaps dropped by 9.9% to $21.99 at NutraBio
- May 14, 2023Solaray 5-HTP 30 Vcaps (only 100mg with St. John's Wort) dropped by 23% to $10.00 at AllStarHealth
- Apr 12, 2023Swanson Suntheanine L-Theanine 60 Vcaps (only 200mg) dropped by 24.7% to $16.43 at iHerb.com
- Jan 01, 2023Solaray 5-HTP 60 Capsules dropped by 18.5% to $11.00 at AllStarHealth
- Jun 25, 2022BODYSTRONG 5-HTP 360 Capsules dropped by 19.4% to $25.00 at AllStarHealth
- Jun 25, 2022BODYSTRONG 5-HTP 180 Capsules dropped by 31.2% to $11.00 at AllStarHealth
- Mar 15, 2022NOW 5-HTP 180 Vcaps dropped by 6.7% to $15.39 at AllStarHealth
- Jan 03, 2022Natrol 5-HTP 45 Vegetarian Tablets dropped by 6.4% to $10.19 at AllStarHealth
- Oct 21, 2021NOW 5-HTP 60 Vcaps (only 200mg) dropped by 41.7% to $7.69 at AllStarHealth
- Sep 06, 2021Irwin Naturals 5-HTP Extra 60 Softgels dropped by 15% to $12.57 at AllStarHealth
Sign up for future Stress Relief deals and coupons!
Click the button below to sign up for future Stress Relief deals, news, and coupons!
Stress Relief Reviews & Videos
-
Apr 27, 2023AstroFlav Embrace: Premier Women's Hormonal Support
-
Mar 30, 2023What is ANANDAMIDE?! Your Own Cannabinoid for Sleep, Pain, & Stress
-
Mar 02, 2023Morphogen AlphaGen Pre-Workout: A Monster Dose of Tyrosine
-
Feb 17, 2023Ghost Glow Remastered: Look Good, Feel Great
-
Feb 16, 2023Morphogen Adaptogen ZING: Adaptogenic Power for Your Morning Coffee
-
Nov 16, 2022UMZU ZUUM?! Naturally-Sweetened Pre-Workout with Nitrosigine!
-
Apr 06, 2022FIRST OF ITS KIND | MorphoCalm by Morphogen Nutrition
-
Feb 11, 2022MORPHOGEN REBRAND! | Ben Hartman PricePlow Podcast
-
Apr 26, 2021SERENITY V2 by Glaxon!
-
Apr 21, 2021BRAIN+ by Revive MD- Stim free BRAIN HEALTH
-
Dec 29, 2020GLAXON SERENITY | PricePlow's Supplement of the Year 2020
-
Nov 06, 2020TRUWILD Motion Breakdown | OUTDOOR ACTIVE FUEL
-
Jul 16, 2020Ghost GLOW Product Breakdown: Look Good, Feel Great!
-
May 16, 2020LESS STRESS - MORE GAINZ | Glaxon Serenity Breakdown and Review
-
Oct 18, 2019NutraBio CAFFPlus - A 150mg Caffeine Pill with 200mg L-Theanine
-
Aug 27, 2019Nootropics for a Competitor: Brandon DaCruz Focuses While Dieting
-
Apr 27, 2019Tim Kennedy's Pre Workout! Relentless PRE TRAINING Review
-
Mar 08, 2019Can't Sleep? SteelFit Steel Dreams Sleep Aid May Help! (Ingredients)
-
Feb 09, 2019Europe's Best Pre Workout?! Chaos Crew BRING THE CHAOS Review!
-
Apr 04, 2018KRATOM (Good or Bad?)
-
Apr 02, 2018The Supplement That Saved Him | The Genius Brand Genius Joy
Subscribe for more Stress Relief news and alerts!
Subscribe to PricePlow on YouTube, follow PricePlow on Instagram or click the button below to sign up for our latest Stress Relief news and reviews!