It doesn’t seem to matter what you are working on, time passes by so quickly. The busy season is a time for fun and making memories, but it can also be a very stressful time too. If you have been feeling stressed and/ or off your game lately, make sure you are taking a few moments for yourself everyday. The following tips I am sure you have heard before, but they are important to stay centered, focused and clear; while going through a stressful time. I hope these little reminders can help.
Eating clean, simply means eating foods that are closest to their natural state as possible. No preservatives, artificial colours or fillers, additives, etc. The reason eating clean is important for your stress level, is that healthy foods help regulate your moods, behavior and mindset. These things are all important to keep under control when you are trying to stay calm and clear. Side note – eat regularly. Don’t let yourself get ”hangry” (angry from not eating). A big part of anxiety stems from your digestion and the foods you eat (but that’s a whole other blog post).
Morning visualizations as soon as you wake up will help you visualize your day playing out the way you would like it to go. This only needs to take 2 minutes! This is a big step in creating your day. Know how you want your day to play out, yet don’t become triggered by any bumps in the road. Staying neutral to unexpected events helps keep your stress levels down.
Remember to breathe. You have to maintain a good breath throughout life. In just a few moments of concentrated breathing, you can change the way you feel about everything. No, I am not talking specifically about doing yoga. However, yoga is a concentrated breathing exercise, so if you enjoy yoga, that is great. Concentrating on your breathing relaxes your mind and body, for it allows other thoughts to slowly slip away. As soon as you feel stress coming on, sit up straight or lay down on your back. Breathe in for five seconds and out for five seconds, repeatedly, until you feel your mind and body relax to a level of your choosing.
Get yourself some negative ions! Some of us just need to be near or around water, but the feeling and sound of water reduces stress levels considerably. Have you noticed that after you take a bath or a shower, you are in a better mood? It is because of the negative Ion charges in water! Natural elements such as clean air, water, sunlight, etc, all have negative ions. Our bodies react so positively to them, because human beings have positive ions within us.
Smell the roses. Our sense of smell is one of our most powerful abilities to trigger memories and/or feel relaxed. When burning a fantastic smelling candle, or diffusing aromatherapy scents; our body can be brought into a state of calm and happiness. The scent of all different essential oils do different things for your mind and body. Great healing can take place with scents. Easy to find products that provide the scents of Lavender or Bergamot, can be extremely calming.
Sleep is the most important thing. It is understood that not everyone can have a peaceful and pleasant slumber, but whatever you can do to give yourself rest, is beneficial to your mind and body. If you have trouble falling asleep, try a ‘relaxation sounds’ app on your phone, or on your computer. I will often set that app for 30 minutes to help me fall asleep… and I never hear it shut off! Side note – This is a bit of a catch 22, but it is important not to fill the hours before bed with electronic stimulation. Using your computer, TV, tablet, or cell phone continuously before bed, stimulates the brain and makes it harder to fall asleep.
Listening to calm and peaceful music at times of stress, such as light jazz or classical; has been scientifically proven to calm one’s nerves and bring their stressful energy levels down. Driving in grid lock? Have the classical station programmed in your radio! Try it for a week and see how much of a difference it makes.
Stress-less hobbies are activities that simply quiet the mind. I find gardening to be a really good one. After gardening for an hour, I will suddenly realize that I have not thought of anything for ages. Many people love drawing, painting, coloring, etc. Choose hobbies that keep your mind occupied and calm your nerves. If you are looking for some great colouring books, click here.
What do you do to combat stress?
I did all of this except I ate an apple pie from Safeway on Saturday.
I did all of this except I ate an apple pie from Safeway on Saturday.
Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article. I like to write a little comment to support you.