(And 5 ways to harness its soothing powers.)

Starting with this TOP TIP – Don’t wait until stressful events happen to use your magnesium – get in the habit of using it every day to keep your supplies topped up, as even low-level stress and anxiety very rapidly deplete your stores, meaning you’re physically and mentally less well-equipped to handle bigger problems when they arise.

So, here are 7 ways magnesium can help you stay calm when things are getting stressful:

1 - Magnesium regulates neurotransmitters

Magnesium is vital for the proper function of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. It helps regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which promote relaxation and calm. By ensuring optimal levels of these neurotransmitters, magnesium can help you feel less anxious, and actually improve your mood.

2 - Magnesium supports your nervous system

Magnesium acts as a natural relaxant for your nervous system. It helps control the release of stress hormones like cortisol, preventing them from spiking too high. By calming the nervous system, magnesium reduces your physiological response to stress, helping you feel more at ease.

If your nervous system was a highly-strung security team, magnesium would be their trusted supervisor who reminds them that they don’t have to respond to every little stressor. This is particularly useful if you work in an environment where there are sudden or loud noises that don’t actually signal danger. For example, anywhere with excitable children, or a gym with lots of loud music and clunking weights.

3 - Magnesium reduces cortisol levels

High cortisol (your main stress hormone) levels can lead to feelings of anxiety and tension. Magnesium helps lower cortisol levels. This reduction in cortisol can lead to a more relaxed state and a greater sense of well-being. Back to the loud music – if cortisol is the volume control on a loudspeaker, magnesium is the hand that will gently turn down the noise.

4 - Magnesium improves sleep quality

Poor sleep can exacerbate stress and anxiety. Magnesium helps regulate melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep-wake cycles. It also relaxes the muscles and calms the mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. I'm sure you've noticed that, after a good night’s sleep, it’s much easier to respond more calmly to situations.

5 - Magnesium balances blood sugar levels

Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause irritability and stress. Magnesium plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels, helping to maintain stable energy and mood throughout the day. If your blood sugar is going up and down like a roller coaster, you’re bound to experience stressful feelings (well I do anyway – I hate roller coasters!). By preventing these fluctuations, magnesium helps keep you calm and focused.

 6 - Magnesium supports muscle relaxation

Magnesium helps relax muscles by blocking calcium, which contracts muscles, and allowing potassium, which relaxes muscles, to enter the muscle cells. By promoting muscle relaxation, magnesium helps alleviate physical symptoms of stress. Hopefully that means fewer stiff necks and tension headaches for you if you incorporate magnesium into your daily routine.

7 - Magnesium enhances cognitive function

Stress can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate and think clearly. If stress causes a glitch in the computer (your brain), magnesium is like the software update that will help optimise performance. With better cognitive function, you can handle stress more effectively while keeping a calm, focused mind.

Please bear in mind, none of these results are guaranteed, as we're all wonderfully different in how we respond to events, supplements, and life in general.

Just quickly - here are 5 ways to incorporate transdermal magnesium into your day so you're topped up with its soothing powers, and ready for any stressful event.

• In your morning routine

• Why: Starting your day with magnesium can help set a calm tone for the day ahead.

• How: Use magnesium oil spray on your skin after your morning shower.

• Pre-Workout

• Why: Applying magnesium before exercise can help relax muscles and reduce the risk of cramps or injury. It can also help focus your mind to the task at hand.

• How: Spray magnesium oil on major muscle groups before hitting the gym.

• Lunch Break

• Why: Work, whether paid or unpaid can bring layers of stress and tension.

• How: Apply magnesium oil to your wrists or neck and shoulders when you get a break. Especially great just before an event/meeting etc that might stress you out. NB - Check beforehand that you don't get the 'magnesium tingle' when you apply it to sensitive skin like your neck and shoulders, or that meeting might not be as stress-free as you hope!

• Evening Routine

• Why: Using magnesium in the evening helps you shrug off any stresses from the day.

• How: Enjoy a warm magnesium bath or foot soak.

• Before Bed

• Why: Helps you wind down and ease into a restful sleep.

• How: Use magnesium oil on your feet, backs of your knees, stomach or arm pits.

Does it sound like you could benefit from some transdermal magnesium? If you have some magnesium spray or Epsom salt bath salts at home, do get into the habit of using them!

If you'd like to try some of ours, or grab a restock, please use code RELAX to get 10% off your order.

Dionne x

PS - Fancy joining us to receive The Weekly Soak - aka our email updates? There's a welcome offer for you in your first email, and you'll be added to our monthly draw to win a bath soak for you and one for a friend as our Random Act of Relaxation.