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Life Getting You Down? Here Are 4 Supplements That Can Help Relax You
There are many ways to soothe stress, but if the lavender candles just aren’t cutting it, you might want to consider taking a supplement. Here are just a few compounds that can help to relax and rejuvenate you.
Ashwagandha
Also known as winter cherry, ashwagandha is a supplement with dual effects. On one hand, it’s a known performance enhancer in the world of exercise: It boosts energy, endurance, and stamina. On the other hand, it’s also sought after for its relaxation benefits. There have been multiple studies into ashwagandha as a stress reliever, and they’ve cited everything from its ability to regulate blood sugar to the way that it inhibits the activity of your “stress axis” or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system. Either way, ashwagandha is a supplement to consider for better mental health.
Magnesium
You’ve probably heard of magnesium; it’s a nutrient that’s found in many foods. However, you might not realize its sheer level of importance. Magnesium plays a role in more than 300 of your body’s biochemical reactions, so low levels of it can disrupt everything from nerve functions to sleep patterns. Being magnesium deficient has also been linked to depression, anxiety, and poor emotional control. On the flip side, studies have shown that increasing your daily intake of magnesium can lead to greater feelings of wellness and improved levels of stress tolerance.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is found in marijuana and hemp products, but it doesn’t contain the psychoactive chemicals that get you high. Instead, it simply relaxes the body. Some users have also reported better moods, deeper sleep, and more acute mental clarity while regularly using CBD products. On the medicinal level, CBD can be used as a treatment for things like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, but you don’t have to be sick to benefit from it. You can invest in everything from soothing CBD bath salts to a relaxation CBD oil tincture to reap the benefits without the high or the comedown.
Melatonin
Melatonin is something that your body naturally produces in response to darkness. It’s essential for regulating the circadian rhythms of sleep, but it can be thrown off by things like shifting daylight hours and the blue light from phones and laptops. If you struggle to “turn your brain off” after a long day, you might benefit from taking melatonin. It’s a common ingredient in sleep aids, and it can also be combined with other compounds like vitamin D to increase its efficacy and improve your overall mood. With any luck, you’ll relax, sleep longer at night, and wake up feeling more refreshed in the morning.
These are just a few supplements to consider when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or generally unwell. If you want more options, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor or a pharmacist, as they’ll have the best idea of what would probably work for you. No matter what you choose though, with the right supplements, relaxation could be just a capsule away.
