When you get stressed it is all too easy to turn to drugs, alcohol or prescriptions to mask the symptoms and try to make yourself feel better. My personal belief is that natural methods are far more effective and lasting, which is what we will cover in this article.

Stress will weaken your immune system and lower your energy levels, reducing your quality of life. Taking time out to relax and rejuvenate yourself helps you feel better, have more energy and live longer.
The following six natural stress reducers and things you can do to help to boost your immune system and reduce your stress:

1) Humor. Laughter really is the best medicine and it reduces the stress hormones in your system. It also increases boosts your immune system through increasing the natural killer t-cells. Start to see the funny side of life, go to comedy shows, watch funny movies or TV shows. These will help to boost your immune system and make you feel better.

2) Diet. A healthy diet will help you to feel better and to keep your immune system in tip-top condition. Vitamins A, C and E are extremely good for you, as are anti-oxidants (which fight free radicals and reduce the signs of aging). The Omega fatty acids are extremely good for you and have been shown to have a very beneficial effect on your brain chemistry, contributing to you feeling happier and more energetic.

If you eat a balanced diet with plenty or fruits and vegetables then you will get all the vitamins and minerals you require. However, if you do not feel you are getting enough or want more then supplements are highly recommended – though always buy good quality ones and do your research.

3) Exercise is vital to relieving stress in that it works the stress hormones out of your body and prevents then from causing damage. Exercise also boosts your immune system and releases endorphins in your brain which make you feel better. Whatever type of exercise you choose, it is important that you do it regularly. Some forms of exercise you might enjoy include walking, yoga, gardening, swimming, running, going to the gym, cycling or anything else that gets the body going.

4) Sleep has a significant affect upon your stress levels and on your immune system strength. I am sure you have had very bad nights sleep and then found the next day you have two left feet and are all thumbs. With a continued lack of sleep, which is what happens when you are stressed, you are more prone to accidents, more irritable and less able to cope with what goes on in your daily life. It is when you are asleep that your body does most of its repairs, so it's vital you get the right amount of sleep for you each night – typically it is 8 hours, though some people need more, some less. Find what is best for you.

5) Music is a great way to relax. Listening to music that helps you to relax and feel good will reduce your stress levels. Exactly what type of music relaxes you is down to individual taste, but listen to the type of music that helps release your stress and makes you feel more relaxed. Close your eyes, relax and let the music carry you along.

6) If you can Think Positively and reframe the events that happen to you in a positive light then you will find they no longer have such a strong stressful effect upon you. Look at what is good about a situation or event; be grateful for what you have in your life, and just enjoy whatever life sends your way. This simple attitude will help to keep you relaxed whatever life may send your way.

Stress does not need to be managed through drugs and medicine, but can be most effectively managed through natural methods. Use these six methods and enjoy the benefits of less stress in your life.