7 Natural Remedies for Stress Relief

Ever had one of those days where everything feels… loud? Like even the sound of your phone buzzing sends your nerves into orbit? Yeah, you’re not alone.

Stress isn’t just some vague buzzword—most of us are living with it way more than we’d like to admit. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to go off the grid or live in a mountain cabin to feel more grounded. There are actually some surprisingly simple, natural ways to release the pressure valve a little.

Let’s talk about seven natural remedies that you can try—nothing wild, just stuff that works quietly in the background to help you feel more like yourself again.

1. Magnesium: The “Chill” Mineral

Magnesium is kind of like that friend who always knows when to tell you to breathe. It plays a role in supporting the nervous system and helps muscles relax.

If you’re low on it (and many people are), you might feel more on edge. Some folks swear by magnesium glycinate or citrate before bed to help unwind. You can also find it in leafy greens, almonds, avocado, and even dark chocolate—yes, chocolate can be helpful; just don’t go overboard.

I started taking magnesium after hearing someone call it “nature’s chill pill,” and to be honest, that’s not far off. It doesn’t knock you out—it just kind of takes the edge off.

2. L-theanine: Calm Without the Crash

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. It’s known for its smooth, mellowing effect—without making you sleepy. It’s kind of like the best parts of being relaxed without feeling like a puddle on the couch.

What’s cool is that L-theanine can support a calm yet alert mind. Some people take it with their morning coffee to balance out caffeine’s sharper edges. (It’s weirdly effective—I didn’t think it would do much, but I actually felt more focused and less frantic.)

You can drink a few cups of green tea or try an L-theanine supplement—whatever fits your vibe.

3. Movement: Not Just for Fitness Goals

Okay, I know everyone says exercise helps with stress—but hear me out. We’re not talking about becoming a gym rat or training for a marathon.

Even just a 20-minute walk can shake off a bad mood. Moving your body helps get those feel-good endorphins flowing, and it shifts your focus away from whatever’s bouncing around in your brain.

Personally, when I feel stuck in a stress loop, I just put on music and walk around the block. No tracking, no pressure, just movement. Works every time.

4. Aromatherapy: Smells Like Sanity

Essential oils might seem a bit woo-woo at first, but they’ve been used forever for a reason—your brain literally responds to smell.

Lavender is the MVP when it comes to calming scents. A few drops in a diffuser, or even just sniffing from the bottle, can help create a more peaceful headspace. I also like eucalyptus when I need a bit more mental clarity without going full spa-mode.

Some people swear by rolling diluted oils on their wrists or temples, too. It’s small, simple, and surprisingly effective when you need a moment of pause.

5. Rhodiola Rosea: The Focus Flower

Another adaptogen worth knowing is rhodiola. It grows in cold, mountainous areas and has traditionally been used to help support stamina and mental energy.

There’s some research suggesting it may support concentration and reduce mental fatigue, especially under stress. I found it helpful during that weird 3 p.m. crash—when I usually start reaching for caffeine I later regret.

It’s a good go-to when you’ve got a lot on your plate and need to stay sharp without tipping into stress overdrive.

6. Journaling: Brain Dump, then Breathe

Sometimes the best stress relief starts with just getting the chaos out of your head and onto paper.

You don’t need to write a novel or follow a fancy system. Just grab a notebook and scribble whatever you’re thinking—no filter. It’s like clearing out browser tabs from your brain.

For me, writing down what’s bugging me—even if it’s something dumb—makes it feel way less overwhelming. And sometimes, I actually stumble onto new ideas or solutions I hadn’t seen before.

Bonus points if you write down three things you’re grateful for. Cheesy? Maybe. Effective? 100%.

7. Functional Mushroom Blends

A functional mushroom blend supplement can do wonders for your stress relief and overall health and vitality. Look for supplements that include a variety of complex mushrooms such as: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, Shiitake, Maitake, etc. Read the labels, the dosage, the nutritional facts, and try it out for a while. These mushrooms have many great benefits and combined they are a great source for focus and stress relief.

Start Small, Stay Curious

Dealing with stress isn’t about finding some magic potion. It’s about trying different things, seeing what fits your life, and building tiny daily habits that help you feel more like yourself.

You don’t have to overhaul everything. Maybe today you start with a cup of green tea. Or take a walk after dinner. Or just breathe deep and smell some lavender oil.

Whatever it is, take it one real, doable step at a time. Stress may not totally go away—but it doesn’t have to boss you around either.

Got your own go-to natural stress remedy? Try one of these this week, and see what shifts.