Is stress the reason my gray hair comes back after only 3 weeks of a dye job? Is this a sign that I am stressed out and overdoing it? Are the deep wrinkles and my puffy eyes a reflection of the worrying I do? Likely. Most of us suffer from stress at times in our lives. Raising teenagers, debt problems, work pressures, aging parents, we will all experience it, some more than others. If you recognize the reasons that bring you to stress, maybe you can help yourself, and find a knack to keep yourself out of it.
Ideally, I would love to be laying a beach somewhere in Mexico, sipping little pink drinks in my leopard print bathing suit, and my huge straw hat. Watching that stress float away with the tide. My work obligations, launching a new online shop and family events will likely prevent me from seeing this sort of getaway this year. But I am still hopeful. Realistically, you don’t need to fly away to Mexico to relieve your stress and feel great. There are so many ways you can feel great and reduce your stress that is free and around your house.
Let’s have a look.
1). When you wake up, write down 3 things you are grateful for.
Usually, for me, it ranges from having my healthy family, to being grateful for my home, and the coffee in my hand. Maybe you jot down how grateful you are for your dog, or for a healthy mammogram, or for really great friends. It’s your list. Do it every morning. It does change your perspective on things.
2). Drink a healthy smoothie.
What is it about smoothies that cheer people up? Smoothies are really healthy milkshakes, and who doesn’t love those? I, very often, on some of my low days, pop up to Booster Juice and order a Nuttin’ Better Smoothie (it has peanut butter in it and oh so good). Cheers me right up.
3). Spend time with animals.
My morning usually entails my dog Bear’s cold nose, followed by a sweet little lick to wake me up because he is dying to get outside for his morning regiment. Animals really do cheer you up and have shown over and over again to be very therapeutic to families and in seniors’ homes. Our cat Nike has been very affectionate lately. He just seems to know the right way to cheer us up.
4). Drink Green Tea.
Green tea contains the healthy benefits of antioxidants. It can lower stress and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels. I started to drink green tea when I was trying to lose weight. It did take me a bit to really like it, but now it’s a go-to in the afternoon.
5). Light a candle or use a diffuser.
Lavender, Sandalwood, Orange Blossom are some scents to look for when seeking moments to relax and unwind. Not only do they provide aromatic properties, but they also smell amazing in your home.
6). Write it down.
At night, my mind is racing of all the things I need to tackle the next day. Remember to do this, don’t forget that. It keeps me awake. So now, in my notebook by the bed, I write it all down. This is genius and works!
7). Laugh.
Yes, laugh. Whenever, and however often you can. Watch a funny movie or go see a comedy show. My go-to movie for a great laugh – is Pet Detective with Jim Carey. I am fortunate that my husband makes me laugh too, so that really helps. Plus, I have a great group of friends that love to send around funny cartoons and pictures that always cheer me up.
8). Take a Yoga Class.
Ok, full disclosure. I know yoga is perfect for stressed-out ladies like me. I took a yoga class years ago, and I was the one who had to stand beside the wall in the back of the class to balance myself while everyone else balanced (without the wall) and looked so perfect. But I was there – doing it, and that matters, right? So, I went out and purchased the clothes, cute clothes, I might add. I have it scheduled in my planner. I am going back to try again. It will be great for me and will lower my blood pressure. So I guess that is good?
9). Cuddle.
A great way for de-stressing. Simple human touch. My husband is a professional in this. If he could cuddle with me all day, then he would. I am not very good at relaxing, remember when I told you I was high strung and busy? I have to learn to "stop and smell the roses”, as they say. Cuddling helps me slow down and really appreciate things in my life that make me whole and happy.
10. Take a bath
There is no better elixir than soaking in warm water after a long day. Many of us can attest to the relaxing benefits of soaking in a hot bath. Scientists show a bath, can lower your blood pressure, protect you from illness and infection and reduce the risk of heart attack to mention a few. So, turn the soft music on, light that candle and slide yourself into that hot bath.
We all must take better care of ourselves. I hope you can adapt these ways into your lifestyle, and enjoy a lower stress life.
Relax.
Tracy x