Stress: the word, itself, has the ability to cause teeth to grind, muscles to tense, and nerves to frazzle. Varying levels of long term stress can affect the health and functionality of vital organs. The brain’s ability to retain information, the heart’s blood pumping capability, even the competence of the immune system can each be adversely stricken by instances of unabated stress period. Even if stress is unavoidable, the way it is handled is important. Following are five practical techniques for facilitating stress relief.
Write It Down
What is bothering you? Sometimes, we just need to get our feelings out of our heads. Writing our feelings or expectations down on paper can really help reduce the stress felt in certain situations. Purchasing a special pen and diary, or a leather writing journal, can really help make every word we write feel that much more therapeutic. Doing something as seemingly simple as doodling or sketching can be of benefit also. Carry a small diary or writing journal with you at all times so that when the need to write presents itself you are able to have a moment of therapy.
Sit and Sip
A good herbal tea can do wonders for the stressed out psyche. Simple infusions of chamomile, lemon balm, linden flowers, oatstraw, or catnip can soothe the mind and help one unwind from the workday. Adding raw honey or stevia to taste helps the world seem a little sweeter while adding a dash of milk can magnify the chosen herb’s relaxing effects.
Give It a Good Soak
Draw a hot bath, add Epsom salts or baking soda, and relaxing essential oils such as lavender, rose, or calendula and read a good book while you soak your stress away. Sometimes in life all you need is just a little time to yourself to reduce some stress. It is important to take time for yourself to recharge your batteries, and a nice relaxing bath is a great way to do that.
Stretch It Out
Incorporate a few simple yoga poses into your daily routine. Floor stretches like child’s pose, cat pose, and corpse pose can induce a major relaxation response in the body that can lower blood pressure as well as help to rejuvenate your outlook.
Dance Like No One is Watching
Turn up your favorite music and move! Whether it’s a samba, two-step, waltz, or whatever, rhythmic movement is proven to lower stress, boost metabolism, and put a smile on your face.
Stress is a necessary evil but using the above techniques can help you lessen its affect on your health and well being. Take time for yourself and thrive!