SIMPLE Ways to Lower Stress

Real tips for real life — because stress happens.

We’ve all heard that deep breathing can help reduce stress — and it totally works. But what if you’re looking for a few other tools to keep in your back pocket when life gets hectic?

Here are a few simple, science-backed ways to support your nervous system and help you feel more like you again:

1. Get Outside for 10 Minutes
Even just a few minutes of sunlight and fresh air can lower cortisol levels, reduce muscle tension, and improve mood. No need to hike a mountain — just stepping onto your porch, walking around the block, or sitting under a tree can help calm your mind.

2. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Trick
Feeling overwhelmed? This quick mindfulness exercise brings you back into the present moment:

  • 5 things you can see
  • 4 things you can touch
  • 3 things you can hear
  • 2 things you can smell
  • 1 thing you can taste
    It takes less than a minute and helps your brain shift out of panic mode.

3. Move Your Body (Even Just a Little)
You don’t need to crush a workout to get stress-relief benefits. Stretching, dancing in your kitchen, or taking a walk can help release built-up tension and regulate your mood. Bonus: movement boosts feel-good endorphins!

4. Laugh — Seriously
Laughter lowers stress hormones and relaxes your body. Watch a funny video, call a friend who cracks you up, or scroll through memes guilt-free. Your nervous system will thank you.

5. Protect Your Sleep Like It’s Sacred
Sleep is when your body repairs and recharges. Create a calming wind-down routine, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and aim for 7–9 hours a night. Even small tweaks to your sleep habits can help your stress levels feel more manageable.

At Vallee Health Repair, we’re all about giving you real tools for wellness — not just quick fixes. This month, we’re spotlighting stress and how it affects your health, from mood and energy to hormones and immunity.

🎉 Don’t forget: cortisol testing is 10% off all April long in 2025
If you’re wondering whether stress is taking a toll on your body, we can help you find answers — and a plan that supports healing.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’ve got your back.

Tasha Vallee, Vallee Health Repair, Illinois

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