How to reduce stress for back to school season with iHerb
September can be a stressful time for parents, that's why we're on hand to help manage your stress symptoms.
The back to school season can be a stressful time for a lot of parents. After all, not only does September bring a lot of admin such as sorting school uniforms, stationery, school shoes, and so on, but it also brings the worry of hoping your child settles in well to their new school year.
If you're concerned about your stress levels during this time, there are things you can do to help ease them, like creating a de-stress routine. For example, mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation, or even colouring and journaling can help you feel calm, plus small changes like cutting down caffeine or introducing herbal teas into your routine can help soothe you.
However, if you would like an extra boost to help manage your stress, iHerb has a fantastic range of supplements. From Ashwagandha and Magnesium to L-Theanine and Lion's Mane Mushroom, iHerb's supplements come with properties which help improve your cognitive functions while reducing feelings of anxiety.
Celebrate iHerb's 29th anniversary with 29% off over 400 trusted brands
Starting tomorrow (Thursday 28th August), iHerb is giving customers 29% off over 400 trusted brands when they use the code 29ANNIV at the checkout — now that's what we call a celebration!
What is the best supplement for stress?
When researching for stress relief supplements — whether that's browsing online or chatting to your friends — you might have noticed that a few names keep popping up, and these are most likely Ashwagandha and Magnesium.
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub which is native to the Middle East and North Africa, and it is typically thought to reduce anxiety and stress, aid a restful night's sleep, and improve cognitive functioning and your immune system.
Magnesium, on the other hand, is essential for humans to be able to turn the food we eat into energy and to make sure our parathyroid glands (which produce hormones important for bone health) work properly. We can be deficient in Magnesium, so taking a supplement will help a range of symptoms such as headaches and migraines, and will aid bone health, blood sugar levels, and your concentration and memory.
Best stress relief supplements from iHerb
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the supplements most commonly associated with stress relief. Ashwagandha is a herb which is used in Ayurveda (the traditional herbal system in India) and it's considered as a general tonic and 'adaptogen', which helps the body adapt to temporary stress.
Buy Ashwagandha from £7.36 at iHerb
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's Mane Mushroom is typically thought to support your cognitive functions such as memory and focus, which are two things that could potentially cause stress if you feel like you can't focus or you're forgetting things.
Buy Organic Lion's Mane Mushroom Liquid Extract from £10.92 at iHerb
Rescue Pastilles
Bach offers original flower remedies which have been trusted by generations. These Rescue Pastilles are made up of natural active ingredients, such as Cherry plum and Star of Bethlehem, to provide natural stress relief.
Buy Rescue Pastilles from £6.23 at iHerb
Magnesium Glycinate
If you've researched into stress relief supplements before, Magnesium is one of the more popular ones that pops up. Typically, Magnesium Glycinate helps with sleep, reduces anxiety and it improves muscle relaxation.
Buy Magnesium Glycinate Gummies from £11.14 at iHerb
L-Theanine
Theanine is an amino acid which is found in the tea plant; L-Theanine helps with relaxation which maintaining alertness and it also promotes healthy cognitive function. Theanine also supports healthy vascular function, too, with thanks to its relaxation methods.
Buy L-Theanine from £9.52 at iHerb
MEM Boost
Sometimes, forgetting things can cause us stress, and MEM Boost aims to combat that. MEM Boost combines nutrients, such as Alpha-GPC, Lion’s Mane Extract, and Phosphatidylserine, which have the potential to help your memory and cognitive function.
Buy MEM Boost from £20.21 at iHerb
Stress B-Complex
The nutrients in Stress B-Complex work together to promote healthy red blood cell formation, cognitive function and mood, as well as cellular energy production. Plus, the additional vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) helps with your adrenal glands, nervous system, and immune function.
Buy Stress B-Complex from £15.30 at iHerb
What else can you do to reduce stress?
Calming teas
If you enjoy a cup of tea in an evening, why not make the switch to a mug of calming tea? Perhaps the most calming tea is chamomile, which has the compound apigenin, which relieves anxiety and promotes relaxation. Other herbal blends such as lavender, lemon balm, valerian and matcha green tea are also known for their soothing properties.
- Buy Matcha Green Tea Powder from £11.24 at iHerb
- Buy Organic Lemon Balm Tea Bags from £4.52 at iHerb
- Buy Relaxed Mind Tea Bags from £3.58 at iHerb
Mindfulness
There are many ways we can promote mindfulness, so it's worth taking the time to figure out which method is the best for you. Practicing mindfulness might look like journaling, picking up a craft such as knitting or painting, or meditation.
Cutting out caffeine
As a busy parent, you might think this next tip is a step too far! However, caffeine can increase the body's levels of cortisol (also known as the stress hormone), so cutting down on those cups of coffee could help you feel more relaxed.