Chaga is an adaptogen, which means it strengthens the body's response to stressors like physical exertion, mental pressure, and trauma.* In other words, adaptogens right the body's wrongs and bolster adrenal function to help cope with stressful environments.*

I find that using Chaga mushrooms daily is an incredible way to deal with stress effectively and naturally.* A daily dose of this potent natural remedy can give you noticeable effects in a relatively short period.* Chaga mushrooms are one of nature's most powerful tools for relieving stress, so don't hesitate to give them a try!*  We created our Organic mushroom coffee infused with Chaga mushrooms & Lion's Mane mushrooms, the perfect balance for managing stress while sustaining calm focused energy all day.* You can read all about Lion's Mane in our Beginner's Guide to Lion's Mane post.

Hi, we're Sheri and Gina, the dynamic duo behind Yonder. As passionate health enthusiasts, we are dedicated to promoting natural wellness rooted in our faith. We believe that our bodies are beautifully designed by God, and by nurturing them with the best nature has to offer, we can honor His creation. We created Yonder to provide top-quality collagen products that support vibrant, youthful living. Our mission is to help others achieve radiant health from the inside out.

As an adaptogen, Chaga runs rampant with benefits and is safe for daily use.* If consumed every day, Chaga can help reduce stress levels and ease the negative physical, mental and emotional effects that chronic stress has on the body.* Chaga helps relax tension in the muscles, reducing feelings of anxiety and allowing both mind and body to take a much-needed break.*

What exactly happens to our bodies under stress?

In short, when we experience stress, our heart rate quickens, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol rise. This throws off neurotransmitter levels, depletes key nutrients, and makes it hard to predict hormone cycles. And unfortunately, the effects don't end as soon as the stressful event is over.

The long-term effects of stress can be just as harmful, if not more so, than the initial event. If your body doesn't readjust after exposure to high levels of cortisol and adrenaline, you could experience hypertension, headaches, anger, poor immunity

Many people don't know this, but stress might be the unspoken reason behind some of life's health issues. For example, I believe it was a significant contributing factor to my cancer diagnosis at age 30.

Incorporating stress management techniques into our lives is essential to promoting wellness and preventing diseases. Unfortunately, not very many of us know how to properly handle ourselves during stressful events or periods, and then fully relax afterward.

I have tried many different stress-reducing methods because I have experienced a lot of stress in my life and have had health issues as a result.

Here are some of the most effective ways that have worked best for me:

Chaga

Incorporating Chaga mushroom, an adaptogen, into my daily coffee routine has definitely helped calm my nerves.* 

Exercising

Not only does any physical activity reduce levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in the body, but it also stimulates the production of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals in the brain that are mood elevators. Furthermore, they help with sleep quality--which combats stress even more.*

It doesn't take much to relieve some stress. Any form of exercise from turning on music in your kitchen and dancing with friends and family, to walking the dog, a beach walk to yoga can do wonders for my management when I am feeling overwhelmed.

Getting Fresh Air

According to research, spending time in the fresh air can help reduce stress and anxiety. Oxygen is thought to affect the levels of serotonin released in the body, which may contribute to feelings of happiness and relaxation.*

There are many benefits to spending time outside, both physical and mental. From improved mental health and focus to lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, there are endless reasons why you should head outdoors more often.*

Even a short walk around your neighborhood, walking outside and standing on the grass barefoot, sitting in your backyard and letting the sun hit your legs will have an amazing impact on your well-being and you don't even need to go camping for a whole week in the woods to experience these benefits!*

Breathing

Breath is something we constantly do but often forget about. It's also a very powerful stress management tool that can help us feel less anxious and more relaxed.*

The next time you're feeling stressed, take a moment to notice how your body is breathing. Then take a few deep slow breaths. Notice how your body starts to slow down.*

One of the best ways to calm your body's stress response is by deep breathing. When you take deep breaths, it sends a signal to your brain telling it to relax. In turn, your brain sends this message down to the rest of your body and physiological responses common in times of stress like an increased heart rate or high blood pressure start decreasing.*

Hot Baths

Releasing toxins from your body also releases the stress that those toxins are putting on your body. Epsom salt baths help not only relax me, it pulls toxins out of my body. Read about my tips on taking an Epsom Detox Bath.*

Mediation

I used to not have enough time in the day to meditate, so I would never do it consistently. But around 2012, I began reading the Bible every morning with a prayer for a few minutes. This simple step formed a powerful new habit that helped ground my soul in peace. Although prayer/meditation is the biggest game changer for me in dealing with life, these other key daily habits help me too a lot.