7 Unconventional Stress Relief Strategies You Haven’t Heard Of Yet

Stress is almost inevitable these days, and finding ways to deal with it is key. Yet, stress is less tangible than something like diet or exercise where you can measure your progress and track your food intake.

I’ve always struggled to get a grip on how stressed my body really is, even when my mind might not perceive something as stressful.

Actively incorporating stress relief techniques into your day to day is just as challenging as changing your diet, going to bed earlier, or exercising regularly. 

And seeing the same old ideas everywhere over the internet isn’t helping either. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of reading yet another blog post that mentions meditation, yoga and journaling. Yes, these are useful and foundational pillars in managing stress. I’m certainly not dismissing their importance. But, wouldn't it be nice to have some new methods that aren’t just regurgitating old ideas and talked about everywhere else?

With that in mind, let’s discover some new strategies for managing stress that are closely aligned with Paleo principles.

1. Grounding with a Paleo Twist

You might have heard of grounding, or "earthing," which involves direct contact with the earth to balance the body's electrical state. To approach this through a Paleo lens, try grounding activities in environments similar to those our ancestors thrived in. 

This could mean walking barefoot on dewy grass at dawn or lying back on a sun-warmed rock. The idea is to mimic the natural settings that a Paleo lifestyle encourages.

2. Primal Scream Therapy

Originating from the concept that unreleased emotional energy can cause physical and psychological stress, primal scream therapy encourages you to find a secluded outdoor space and let out your stress vocally.

This is all about returning to our primal roots. The release can be profoundly liberating, tapping into the raw, unfiltered side of our nature that modern life often suppresses. Try it, I bet you’ll discover a new side to yourself (and how you feel when you let go of stress completely).

3. Foraging for Stress Relief

Foraging connects us to our hunter-gatherer ancestors and is an immersive way to relieve stress through an active, yet peaceful and meditative approach. Identifying and collecting wild edibles not only provides a mental break but also nurtures a deep connection with your environment, nature, and the land around you. 

Plus, the nutritional benefits of wild plants align perfectly with Paleo principles, making foraging a multifaceted stress-relief practice.

Side note: I love watching the series ‘Alone’, which is all about going back to our roots and connecting with nature in a way that supports survival. If you appreciate the Paleo lifestyle but enjoy some screen time to switch off and manage your stress, give ‘Alone’ a go.

4. Adventurous Eating

Embrace the adventurous spirit of Paleo by experimenting with unusual, nutrient-dense foods that our ancestors might have eaten. Whether it's organ meats, uncommon seafood, or fermented foods, the novelty of these ingredients can shift your focus away from stress and towards exploration and the joy of discovery (in a culinary sense).

5. Paleo-inspired Movement and Play

Instead of structured workouts, incorporate play into your physical activity. This could mean anything from climbing trees and running barefoot on the beach to impromptu dance sessions, jumping on a trampoline, or ice skating. 

The key is to make movement joyful, spontaneous and intuitive - in contrast to our often rigid and stressful routines of modern fitness culture. 

What activities and forms of movement do you enjoy? What would you do for fun when you’re not even thinking about it in terms of “exercise”?

6. Herbal Friends from the Paleolithic Pantry

Turn to the herbs and plants that our ancestors might have used for stress relief. Consider incorporating adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil into your diet to help balance the body's response to stress. 

Exploring these ancient remedies offers a tangible connection to the past and an effective way to manage stress at the same time.

7. Digital Detox in Natural Settings

While a complete digital detox is what’s commonly recommended, consider specifically setting aside time to unplug during your time in nature. 

I don’t mean just putting away your phone, but fully immersing yourself in the natural world without any digital distractions. 

Think mindfulness - actively listen to the sounds around you, pay deep attention to what you see (both in detail and “zoomed out”), smell the scents of nature, touch what’s around you (grass, a stone, tree bark, …). Reconnect with the earth’s grounding presence in an active, mindful, intentional way.

These unconventional stress relief strategies are about bringing together our most primal essence in order to manage stress. While we’re not hunter gatherers anymore, we can still find joy and balance in our modern lives in this way. 

I’m keen to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you tried any of these methods, or do you have any unique stress relief techniques of your own that most people wouldn’t think of?