Far too many of us spend way too much precious time and energy consumed by stress and when it comes to stress and worry, we tend to focus so intensely on the problem whether it be a situation from the past or an impending situation looming in the future that we often take for granted that the absolute present moment is what really counts.It isn’t stress that takes us down, It is how we react and respond to our challenges. Life is far too precious to spend most of it consumed by stress so with that in mind,here are a few stress busting tips for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
Face it head on
Face your stress causing problems head on and address them before they manifest
into an out of control situation. Confide in someone you trust about the cause of your stress.
If your stress is overwhelming and debilitating,be brave enough to seek support from
groups and practitioners that will help you achieve balance,calm and peace.
Be mindful of what you consume
What you put into your body has a significant effect on how you feel. I encourage you to eat calming foods, not comfort foods when you are stressed. Think salmon, leafy greens, lean protein, fish and nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables.Stear clear of unhealthy processed and fatty foods and drink water, lots of it. When you are dehydrated, you can feel fatigued and this doesn’t help when you are feeling stressed.
I AM OK
A team of psychologists at the university of North Carolina discovered that study participants who repeated positive statements over a six week period recorded improvements in their heart rate variability and this made them more resilient to stress. Become aware of your thoughts and when you notice that you are focussing intensely on your problems, interupt the process by running I AM statements – For example,
I AM SAFE | I AM GROUNDED | I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE ABUNDANCE IN MY LIFE
I AM STRONG | I AM GUIDED | I AM BLESSED |I TRUST THE TIMING OF MY LIFE
I WELCOME PEACE AND CALM INTO MY WORLD
Create a Zen Home
Mess leaves us feeling overwhelmed. Too much stuff means there are too many things vying for our attention. It wears us down mentally, so how you style and create your space can also assist you to manage your stress levels. I am committed to creating stress free environments, and I have always put a great deal of effort into where I live, where I sleep and where I work when it comes to surrounding myself and my family with a beautiful peaceful environment. I encourage you to do the same.
Inhale – Exhale
The part of the brain that processes odours is very close to the part that houses emotions and memories. When you inhale something you like, you tend to breathe more deeply, your blood pressure lowers and your heart rate slows—all of which relax you. There are some incredible oils that really help to ease stress. Inhaling essential oils can minimize our stress levels and ease emotional trauma immediately. This makes them a perfect instant treatment for stress and anxiety. Some of my favorite oils include:
Lavender – Lavender reduces mental stress and is one of the most studied for relieving anxiety.
Jasmine – Jasmine is uplifting and relaxing. It is used for depression and nervous exhaustion.
Rose oil- Rose oil nourishes the heart and brings support and reassurance.
The citrus oils- All these oils are very good to clear your head and uplift your spirits.
Peppermint- Peppermint is one of the best for stress relief. Research shows that breathing in peppermint can decrease the body’s levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Bonus perks: Reduces both fatigue and chocolate cravings (YES!!!)
Just breathe
Place a warm heat wrap around your neck and shoulders for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and relax your face, neck, upper chest, and back muscles. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply. Breathe away the tension. If you can’t do the whole warm wrap part, just take 3 long, slow and deep breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed. Breath is the foundation of all life. It is the connection between mind, body and spirit. Through breath control, we can manage our stress, calm ourselves and gain clearness of mind.
Count your blessings
If you are healthy, loved, surrounded by family and friends, have a warm bed, food on the table, clean water – YOU ARE RICH. Far too many of us spend way too much precious time and energy focusing on all the negatives. We just completely waste days wanting, worrying and taking for granted all the incredible gifts we have been given. Life is such a precious gift so don’t ignore its value. Be present, really present and be grateful for the good but also find the good in the bad.
Over the course of each day, ask yourslef often-
“Have I accumulated more stress or more peace?”
CHANGE the situations in your life today that deplete your energy.
Be responsible for your wellness.
Jo Ettles