How to beat stress naturally

Reduce the stress levels and keep calm the natural way

Say It With Sunflowers
Both sunflower seeds and alfalfa sprouts eaten together can lower stress levels, thanks to a anxiety-lowering substance that's released into the body. As soon as you feel stress building, eat them to head it off before it really kicks in.

Swing For St John
St John's Wort is a known herb that helps knock depression, stress and anxiety on the head. Taken daily in either a tea or powder, just be sure to double check with your doctor beforehand to ensure it won't conflict with any existing medications you are taking.

A Spoonful Of Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains a host of vitamins and minerals including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B complex and vitamin D, all of which are linked to relief from insomnia and stress. Keep your levels topped up with three to four tablespoons throughout the day.

Relax with a ginger poultice
Take time out one evening with this treatment to relieve stress. Mix two tablespoons of ground ginger with enough milk to form a paste, then smooth onto your forehead and let the mixture dry. Your skin will start to feel warmer, then cooler as your facial muscles relax. Leave the mixture on for 10 to 15 minutes before washing off.

Carry A Herb Pouch
This idea hails from the Middle Ages, but can still be used today. Place 1/2 cup of bishop's weed in a muslin bag or sachet and tie around your neck or in your handbag to sniff at the first sign of stress. If you struggle to find bishop's weed, use rosemary or mint as a substitute.

Chug Some Cherries
Cherries are one fruit known to soothe the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress. Eaten fresh, cooked in pies or desserts, the effect will be the same.

Chew Basil
Believe it or not, chewing on a basil leaf can work wonders to lower your stress levels when they start to rise. Chew on a couple of leaves for several minutes to release the flavour before either swallowing or spitting out the remainder. You can repeat the process up to 20 times a day and your body won't experience any negative impact.

Be Calm At Bedtime
Stress levels can start to increase the closer it gets to bedtime, so beat the stress factor and reduce feelings of angst with a glass of warm milk flavoured with cinnamon and honey. If warm milk isn't for you, try lavender or camomile tea instead.

Crunch On Celery
Bet you thought celery was just a good weight loss option, it turns out this veggie also contains important phytonutrients called phthalides, which are acknowledged as sedatives and can lower feelings of stress and anxiety

Eat Late At Night
Although eating late at night isn't prescribed for those wanting to digest a big meal, it can help your stress levels by regulating blood sugar throughout the night. Cook up some pasta which is known to increase serotonin levels in the brain.