STRESSED......
There is no single relaxation technique that is best for everyone. When choosing a relaxation technique, consider your specific needs, preferences, fitness level, and what causes stress in your life. The right technique is the one that resonates within you. Stress relief begins right now within you!
For many of us with hectic, stressful lives, relaxation means vegging out in front the TV at the end of the day or catching up on exta sleep on the weekends. Unfortunately, this does little to help reduce the damaging effects of stress on our minds and bodies. To effectively combat stress, we need to activate the body's natural relaxation response.
So here goes, I share a few of mine, and would love to hear from you what you use to bring calmness back in your soul and reduces the stress in your life.
- When feeling stressed, close your eyes and breathe, slowly, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Take that moment to focus on your breathing, sounds funny but really think about how it feels. Refocus your thoughts onto something personally soothing to you and positive. Try mindfulness mediation. One of my favorite relaxing applications on my iPhone that soothes my mind go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/relax-now/id414035026?mt=12
- Yoga/pilates is a good source of release stress, through your mind, body and soul -- finding ways to fit activities in your life that can help reduce everyday stress and boost your energy and mood.
- Laugh! When you are feeling like crap, try laughing. You don't have to have a reason.
- Simplify. What has worked for me is to simply by having less stuff. Less stuff creates an atmosphere of cleanliness and a sense of security.
- Instead of thinking negatively, learn to appreciate the little things in life. The little blessings that are given to you. We all receive blessings every day, every moment....it's just a matter of stopping and appreciating.
- Take a soothing bath....add a mix of essential oils. Amazing what an oil can do to your senses.
- Listen to music. Whether it's soft soothing sounds of moving water, birds singings, waves crashing, or listening to tranquil tunes. Over the years, I have learned that music is an expression of who you are.
- Nothing works better for me than to light a candle, sit in the dark, turn on some soft soothing jazz and all the world begins to feel okay.
- Always, most importantly, pay it forward....it's good for your heart and soul. Brings that certain sense of self-satisfaction.
- Most importantly....treat yourself with respect. When you feel good about yourself those stress hormones feed your brain. Learn to love yourself.
It's all about choices