The final countdown is on the horizon. The first rays of summertime freedom seem almost tangible, homework out of sight and out of mind, school stress in the review mirror.

As a senior, I have experienced this time of year in the high school setting three times already. I know that when the light at the end of the tunnel seems brightest you often realize that the train is coming and that you better start booking it.

Stress seeps in at the corners of our lives and slowly starts to eat away at aspects of our health. Physically a person may under eat or over eat or stop exercising or any number of things. However, stress has a serious impact on our mental and spiritual stability as well.

As a senior, I also know the tunnel is only so long. I know that though at times dark and incomprehensible, this tunnel is full of wondrous possibilities and I personally am unwilling to let the train ruin my last few moments in it.

There’s joy in the journey but the looming stress express often threatens (at least personally) to alter that perspective. Below our five ways to derail that train and enjoy the last leg of the journey to the fullest.

Chamomile tea

After a long day, a sip of Chamomile tea may be just what you need to breathe out the stressors and breathe in renewed focus and stability.  Chamomile contains a certain compound with the ability to act as a stress reliever at the chemical level. In addition, the tea is known to sooth stomach aches, cure insomnia, heal muscle strain, prevent cancer and much more.

“Research shows that one of the compounds in this herbal brew binds to the same brain receptors as drugs like Valium, which means the tea acts as a mild tranquilizer.” – Health. com

I can personally attest that this particular strain of tea seems to ease the nerves and improve focus when the train seems to be at one’s heals.

Exercise

Feeling a bit down in the dumps? Exercise might seem like the last thing on earth to think about when dealing with stress. However, physical activity releases endorphins (the body’s feel good hormones). This in turn often creates a sense of well being for the individual as well as the assortment of health benefits that come with frequent exercise.

“The benefits of aerobic exercise — like running, dancing, spinning, and in-line roller-skating — include and increased heart rate. When your heart rate is accelerated, your body releases endorphins, natural opiates that make you feel good with no side effects. High-energy activities help you feel better physically and mentally. “ – Everyday Health

Berries

Berries are one of my all time favorite foods simply because they taste amazing and can be consumed in a variety of dishes. They stand among a limited group of health foods that taste good enough to eat for dessert.  Besides their wholesome deliciousness, berries also contain high amount of vitamin c, a compound notorious for stress relief.

“But all berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to be helpful in combating stress. German researchers tested this by asking 120 people to give a speech, then do hard math problems. Those who had been given vitamin C had lower blood pressure and lower levels of cortisol after the stressfest.” – Prevention

In addition berries are versatile enough to incorporate into one’s diet in fun and creative ways. Make a strawberry almond milk smoothie on a hot day or some homemade raspberry jam. Add raspberries to salads or mix in some blueberries to your yogurt for an extra nutritional boost. The possibilities are endless.

Potassium

Potassium naturally lowers blood pressure. This not only leads to valuable health benefits but decreases feelings of stress and anxiety.

“A diet that includes natural sources of potassium is important in controlling blood pressure because potassium lessens the effects of sodium. The recommended daily intake of potassium for an average adult is about 4,700 milligrams per day.” – American Heart Assosiation.

Some high potassium foods to consider include bananas, avocados, potatoes, tuna, grapefruit and much more.

For a more detailed list of foods with a high concentration of potassium read the article Potassium and High Blood Pressure by the American Heart Association

A soak in the tub

This one seems almost common sense. However, there does exist a bit of science behind the method.

“Hot baths initially raise heart rate and temperature, so to dispel the heat, you perspire—which lets your body rid itself of toxins. Then your blood vessels dilate and increase circulation, removing lactic acid from muscles, lowering blood pressure, and easing pain.” – Prevention.

Sometimes a quiet time to soak in the tub might be the perfect way to relieve stress and regain strength and focus.

I highly encourage you to try one of these methods or discover one of your own the next time you lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.  Remember that each day is too precious to allow stress and negative feeling to rule in our lives.

Perhaps the most powerful remedy of stress and anxiety is a bit of prayer and reflection. God may not take away our stressors but He can give the strength and wisdom to realize the important things in life. He promises not to allow anything in our lives in which we cannot bear.

]“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 1:13.

He promises that he is in control even if we feel alone in the battle.

“The Lord has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm…”– Nahum 1:3

He promises to take up our burdens upon himself.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”– Matthew 11:28-30

God never promised that life would be easy for Christians but he did provide us with the ultimate stress reliever: Jesus. Rest in him this week.

For the last installment of Health Nut read: Health Nut: Food for Feel.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @skylerklee and via email [email protected].