People are feeling a little stressed right now. We get that. And girl, you have come to the right place. I put together a list of a few quick ways to de-stress and hopefully alleviate some of the anxiety many of us are feeling. We are all in different circumstances than we are used to, but we are all doing our best. If you’re still not feeling “normal” give yourself some grace and try out a few of these.
Breathe
If you’re feeling stressed the easiest thing to do is to BREATHE. Take a few deep breaths in and out. Collect yourself and relax. It seems simple, and it is, but it also works. Hopefully, sooner rather than later you’ll have that post yoga zen in a tenth of the time and without doing any of the postures. If you take a few breaths and feel like maybe a couple yoga poses might feel good check out this 15 minute night time yoga sequence.
Turn on your diffuser
We all have them, so many of us forget to use them! Diffuse something classic like Saje’s unwind or stress free. If you don’t have these try some peppermint, lemongrass or eucalyptus oil. Once you start diffusing your stress free oil pair this with a few deep breaths and you’ll feel relieved. If you have any of these in rollers apply them to your temples and focus on your breath. If you don’t have them in roller form you can do this with a drop in some of your facial moisturizer and it’ll work great.
Exercise
Staying active is so important in managing stress. Taking care of your mind includes taking care of your body. So if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed or maybe just not even feeling yourself get out and move. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a quick walk outside, some stretching at home or zoom pilates just do something! If you need some idea’s Alex has got you covered with six mini workouts. Like she says, something is better than nothing!
Take a bath
Draw yourself a hot bath, add your favourites, be that a bath bomb, epsom salt or essential oils and soak. I personally love a few drops of peppermint oil and some epsom salt, it is especially great for sore muscles if you’re feeling a little pain after your “de-stress” exercise session. Other additions can include a podcast, some relaxing music, a good book you’ve been meaning to finish, a tea, a glass of wine or your favourite candle. You’re literally one bath away from relaxed muscles and a clear mind. PLUS Loughborough University did a study that says an hour-long dip burns as many calories as a 30-minute walk by raising your core body temperature, in case you needed another reason.
Have some tea
Pour yourself a cup of tea! I recommend caffeine free if you’re feeling a little stressed out. Tea is warm, smells great and keeps you hydrated (I’m seeing a pattern here). Camomile, peppermint, lemon & ginger and peach are all teas I have been reaching for lately. Theanine, an ingredient in tea, is said to promote relaxation. The other benefit, of course, is that hydrating is great for your skin and your mood. While you’re at it drink some water too! I hate to sound like your mother but someone’s gotta say it so it might as well be me.
Talk to someone
Humans seek out interaction and connectedness. For almost our entire existence people have lived together in large groups. Only very recently have people started living on their own or in small groups. The idea of the “single family household” is very new. Couple that with physical distancing and you’ve got a whole bunch of people feeling very disconnected. So, if you’re stressed out you might just need to talk to someone and tell them how you’re feeling. Call a friend, family member or someone you love and chat. Check in with other people and stay connected. Especially if you’re an extroverted person and you’re lacking in the human connection department! There are also call lines if you feel like you don’t have anyone to talk to. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself.
All of this is to say, you are not alone in your feelings. Things are a little different right now, so be patient with yourself and those around you. Keep breathing. Keep moving. Keep getting your sunlight and drinking your water. Take care of yourself and if you need additional mental health resources they are available and seek them out.
Great post! Very high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂