If you are looking for simply, inexpensive and natural ways to alleviate the stress in your life, to relax physically, mentally and emotionally, try these 26 easy and effective stress relievers and feel the tension melt away.

1. Slow down
Try not to rush when you talk, drive or go about your daily tasks. Slow down because a slower pace can actually decrease the rush of adrenaline in your body and eventually physically calm your body down.

2. Schedule early morning appointments
Waiting at the doctor’s office can be very frustrating. You may be on edge because your work is being delayed. To avoid this frustration, ask for the very first appointment of the day. This way, the time wasted waiting for your appointment to be met is eliminated.

3. Reduce your phone time
There are times when you may be extremely busy but the person on the other end of the line keeps talking. As a result, you get stressed. To avoid this from happening, try mentioning how busy you are at the beginning of the call and mention the amount of time you are able to spend talking to them.

4. Watch a funny movie
Watching funny movies is always a big stress reliever. It helps you to laugh and take your mind off all the hurdles you may have experienced during your day.

5. Play a game
Playing a game is another great way to relieve stress. Whether you are playing a one-player game or a game with many players, it forces you to focus on something that is fun and something that is very different to whatever may be causing your stress. Also, if you are playing a game with multiple players, socializing comes into play and is a great stress reliever.

6. Read a book
Scope-out a good novel that you have been meaning to read. Rather than doing your work during your commute or at lunch, read your book to give yourself a mental escape.

7. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes
Whether it is waking up in time for work or getting ready to meet someone, try giving yourself an extra 30 minutes. By doing this, you will be ready earlier and you will have some extra down time to enjoy a cup of tea or go to the balcony and get some fresh air.

8. Double your time
When you plan how much time you need to get places or finish projects and assignments, give yourself twice the amount of time you think you need. This way you will not be stressed and burnt out when the deadline approaches or stressed when the bus breaks down.

9. Get a massage
This is one of the best ways to relieve tension. As the mind, body and spirit are all connected, when your body is massaged and relaxes, your mind will automatically relax as well.

10. Let someone else drive
Driving can be very hectic and stressful. By letting someone else do the driving or taking public transport, it drastically reduces your anxiety and stress level. You will be able to just sit back, talk peacefully, listen to music, read or even close your eyes and take a nap.

11. Clean the house & listen to music
Cleaning can be very therapeutic and satisfying. Listening to music can lift your spirits and be very soothing. By doing both of these things together, they are bound to decrease your stress level. I also find singing along to the music to be highly stress-relieving.

12. Watch Aquarium Fish
Watching aquarium fish can be very soothing and has an almost tranquil effect. I always find watching jelly fish to be exceptionally soothing. The way their bodies pulse and move is so graceful and almost hypnotic.

13. Take a walk
Taking a nice, peaceful walk outside is always calming and refreshing. If you take a walk with a friend it can take your mind of things and elevate your frame of mind.

14. Do a home spa
Have a girl’s night with some friends and set up a spa at home. Pampering yourself is a very effective way to melt the tension away.

15. Reduce your burden
All too often, people take way too much on their shoulders and this causes them to be spread too thinly and aggravates their anxiety. Cut down on some of your commitments, learn to say no, and feel the apprehension diminish.

16. Breathe
Doing some deep-breathing exercises is a fantastic way to alleviate stress.

17. Cook for fun
I love to cook but sometime if you have to cook with time limits it can be less enjoyable. Take some time to cook for the fun of cooking rather than cooking in order to eat. When you cook without all the constraints, it can unleash creativity and take you away from all the things that are causing worry in your day.

18. Dance
Dancing to great music can put you into a completely different world. Let your body be free and your mind will follow.

19. Meditate
Focused meditation aids in soothing and calming your mind as well as your body as your body is still and is forced to breathe properly. Meditation is great as it is a mental and physical escape that can be practiced anywhere.

20. Take a nap
With the hectic demands of people’s schedules, it is quite common that they do not get enough sleep. Taking a ten or fifteen minute nap during the day can completely rejuvenate, energize and renew you.

21. Have some chamomile tea
Chamomile is known to have remarkably soothing properties and is a great sleep aid. Have a cup before you turn in for the night to dissolve your stress. This being said, avoid chamomile tea while you are pregnant as it is considered unsafe for pregnant women.

22. Aromatherapy linen spray
Lavender linen with a blend of essential oils spray is a wonderful natural stress reliever and helps you to get a good night’s sleep.

23. Take a bath
Taking a bath is a fabulous way to take the stress away. Soaking in a tub of hot water with gently lit candles, oils and salts eases muscle tension, headaches and soothes tired feet. Choose aromatherapy bath products. Some excellent essential oils include lavender, chamomile (which is very soothing for the skin), sandalwood and jasmine.

24. Try yoga
Yoga combines several stress management techniques, such as breathing, meditation and movement. Yoga is a perfect way to decrease stress as it requires a certain amount of focus and concentration required.

25. Practice time-management
Creating a balance between work, family life, socializing, personal goals, everyday tasks and downtime is of vital importance. Tips to help you manage your time more effectively are:
- Do not over-commit yourself
- Prioritise duties
- Break projects into small steps
- Delegate responsibility

26. Guided Imagery
Guided imagery is a great way to leave stress behind and relax your body and mind. Try the following steps to distress:
- Get into a comfortable position, sitting or lying down.
- Close your eyes and start to take deep breaths.
- Once relaxed, start to visualize a relaxing environment like the beach or a forest.
- Try to involve all of your senses when imagining your scene.
- What does it look like? How does it feel? What does it smell like? How would it sound?
- Remain in this position for as long as you like.
- When you are ready to come back count from ten backwards


Resources:

http://topten.org/public/BL/BL51.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-5-Natural-Stress-Relievers&id=1369850
http://stress.about.com/od/tensiontamers/a/25_relievers.htm
http://stressfree.just-food.com/how_to.htm