We know things can get pretty hectic here in Ireland's biggest city, so it's important to keep stress at bay.

Anxiety will lead you to a dark road of high blood pressure, weight gain and sleep difficulties, but our list of remedies are proven to take the sting out of stress. Try combining them and you will notice a difference for the better.

Here are seven natural ways to increase your relaxation right now:

1. Surround yourself with the scent of lavender

Studies have shown that by merely surrounding yourself in the scent of lavender, it can help improve sleep quality, reduce restlessness, provide mood stability, and increase your ability to concentrate.

Suddenly, firing up an lavender candle seems like a fantastic idea.

2. Chamomile tea

Chamomile is one of the world's most ancient medicinal herbs, and with good reason. The soothing beverage contains apigenin and luteolin, two chemicals that are proven to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. 

Have a cup right before bed and you'll sink into that mattress.

3. Exercise

You've probably heard this before, and I'm some some of you hadn't paid it much heed, but exercise really is important in keeping your anxiety down.

Research has shown that 21 minutes is the minimum amount of vigorous daily exercise you need to see a reduction in your stress levels. 

If you're not already prioritising it, start today.

4. A nature walk

It's not just a primary school activity, folks. 

It's all about this thing called 'mindfulness', where you're feeling present in the current moment and free from your anxieties.

Being out in nature is great for achieving mindfulness, it's a reminder of the tangible world, which is so important to achieve when getting out from under the boot of stress.

5. Green tea

More stress relief in tea form. A Japanese study has shown that the regular drinking of green tea throughout the day can take a whopping 20% off a person's feelings of stress. 

Not too shabby, Green Tea.

6. Direct sunlight

You may laugh, but those people who rush from their home to the car to an office where they're stuck inside all day can sometimes struggle to get a good 15 minutes of direct sunlight a day, which is the minimum they need for their mental health.

Don't use the old Irish skin excuse, be sure you're getting your time in the sun.

7. Ditch coffee

That's right, we went there. As much as we love coffee round here, we have to admit that its caffeine buzz can adversely affect your stress levels, making you jittery when you want to be chilled.

But hey, if that leaves you stuck for a hot drink in the morning you can always switch to chamomile or green tea. 

So it's not that bad, eh?

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