Easing Stress the Gentle Way - Simple, Natural Ways to Find Calm

Stress has a sneaky way of creeping into our lives, doesn’t it? One moment, everything feels manageable, and the next, our shoulders are tense, our minds are racing, and we’re wondering how we’re going to juggle it all. If you’ve been feeling like stress is taking over lately, I want to remind you of something… you don’t have to push through or ‘just deal with it’. There are gentle, effective ways to bring yourself back into balance, and they don’t require a huge lifestyle overhaul.

If you know me, you'll know I always love to find a natural/holistic approach to things in life, so here's a few tips that may help with easing your stress in a gentle way, allowing you to find your inner calm… 

Breathe your way through things

It sounds almost too simple, and sometimes tedious I know, but the way we breathe has a huge impact on our stress levels. When we’re overwhelmed, our breath becomes shallow and fast, keeping us in that ‘fight or flight’ state. It's actually something I pick up on a lot when treating my clients for reflexology - their diaphragm can tell me a lot about someone's stress levels or anxiety. That's for another day though! If you'd like next week's Sunday read to be focused around Reflexology, let me know.

Not sure where to start? Try the 4-4-6 technique:

- Breathe in through your nose for four counts

- Hold for four counts

- Breathe out through your mouth for six counts

This helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (aka your ‘rest and digest’ mode) bringing your body back into a state of calm. Try it now and notice how it instantly shifts your energy. I personally love this technique if I'm feeling particularly anxious, or overwhelmed about something. 

A warm hug in a mug

When stress levels are high, it’s tempting to reach for coffee or sugar for a quick boost. I know I'm sometimes guilty of reaching for the tub of ice cream to give me that comfort food feeling. But stimulants can actually make things worse, leaving us feeling jittery and drained. Instead, consider calming herbal teas like chamomile, lemon balm, or ashwagandha. These herbs support the nervous system, helping to keep stress levels in check without the energy crash. Not only are these going to help support your stress levels, they're much healthier alternatives too!

Unwind with massage

Ever noticed how stress seems to settle into your shoulders, jaw, or lower back? Our bodies hold onto stress just as much as our minds do, and sometimes, we don’t even realise just how much tension we’re carrying until we stop and allow ourselves to fully relax.

In the treatment room, I see this all the time, clients come in feeling ‘fine’ only to realise, as soon as I begin working, just how much stress their bodies have been holding onto. Sometimes, this release is subtle, a deep exhale, a melting of the shoulders, but other times, it’s much more physical. It’s completely natural for the body to respond with involuntary movements like twitching, jolting, or even shaking as built-up tension finally lets go. Some clients experience an emotional release, finding themselves tearing up or letting out a sigh they didn’t even know they were holding in. This can be so common as I say, but all it is is your nervous system resetting, shifting from a state of stress and high alert into deep relaxation.

Whether it’s through a full body treatment or a simple self-massage at home, giving yourself this space to release is so important. Even just massaging your temples, rolling your shoulders, or using a tennis ball to release tension in your feet can bring a deep sense of relief. Your body deserves that care, and sometimes, all it needs is a little encouragement to let go.

Prioritise your sleep

When life feels overwhelming, sleep is often the first thing to suffer. But poor sleep only adds to stress, creating a vicious cycle. And I know myself being a mum of two, sleepless nights can sometimes not be avoided, but here's a few things that may help…

- Ditch screens an hour before bed – blue light tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime.

- Use essential oils – lavender, frankincense, and chamomile are amazing for winding down.

- Try a magnesium supplement – it’s a natural muscle relaxant & promotes deeper sleep.

Take a moment in nature

I know, it's so cold at the moment, so going outdoors is the last thing we want to be doing when we can be cosy on the sofa inside. But sometimes, the simplest way to reduce stress is to step away from it. Nature has a way of calming the nervous system, even if it’s just for five minutes.

- Take a slow walk without distractions

- Feel the sun (or fresh air at this time of year) on your skin

- Stand barefoot on the grass for a few moments

A gentle reminder…

Stress is a normal part of life, but it doesn’t have to control you. By making small, mindful changes, whether it’s breathing deeply, choosing nourishing foods, prioritising sleep, or making time for self-care, you can support your body and mind in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

Do you have a go-to stress relief ritual that works wonders for you? I’d love to hear! Let me know, I always love chatting with you.