With so much un-settlement STILL happening in our Nation … and the World for that matter, it is no wonder that the level of stress in people is at an all-time high.  Managing stress can be hard because when we have this sense of overwhelm, it’s hard to think clearly let alone come up with some ideas to help us calm down.  But calm down we should.  Living in a state of continual stress is so dangerous to our overall health.

If you are that person that has been living in a state of continual stress, then take a minute and read this.  I’m going to give you some ideas that might help you move your body from that “sympathetic” state to transitioning it into the “parasympathetic” state.  Grab a nice cup of “calming” tea and read on.

So, you might guess what your first recommendation might be.

1. Calming Tea – yes there are calming teas like Chamomile or Lemon Balm. My favorite is Lemon Balm.  But it is also said that green tea has an amino acid that can help reduce stress.
2. Remove Caffeine – this can be hard as so many people like their coffee especially first thing in the morning. But caffeine is a stimulant and that’s probably the last thing your body needs right now.  Consider stopping for at least a period of time.
3. Dark Chocolate – dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that can help lower your stress hormones … and remember I said dark … not milk. You want dark chocolate that has at least 70% cacao.
4. Omega-3’s – increase your intake of Omega-3s from food like salmon or avocado. Or you can take a good fish oil supplement.  You want to be sure your supplement is tested for mercury.  As mercury can be found in many fish.
5. Stretch – stretching can help relax your body and your mind.
6. Exercise – do you have some favorite exercises you enjoy? Get back to daily spending time exercising.  It helps release the stress in your body and your mind.
7. Deep-breathing – practice some deep breathing exercises. Try the 5-5-10-5 mode.

5 second inhale

5 second hold

10 second exhale

5 second hold

Repeat for 10 minutes.

 

8. Meditation APP – try apps that will play beautiful relaxing music. APPs like Calm, Headspace or Relaxing Sounds, Sleep Easy can be a useful tool.
9. Massage – don’t need to say anything more about this.
10. Music – listen to your favorite music. But I recommend calming music.
11. Walk – studies show that walking in nature and breathing fresh air (please no masks) can bring down the levels of stress in your body.
12. Dance – this can reduce stress and boost your serotonin.
13. Hug – give someone a hug or ask for one. Nothing better than the power of touch.
14. Sleep – try your best to get to bed at a reasonable time. Get some good sleep before the midnight hour is good for you.
15. Diffuse – use your diffuser with relaxing Essential Oils such as Lavender, Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile … to name a few.
16. Sun – nothing better for you than some good Vitamin D. If you live in a climate that sun is limited right now, then perhaps consider taking a supplement.
17. Garden – start a garden. If there is snow outside for you right now, then consider starting some plants from seed inside your home.  It’s uplifting to watch life grow.
18. Comedy – watch a comedy show or a funny movie. Laughing definitely releases the stress in your body, relieves your tension and will help improve your mood.
19. Pet – play with your pet, run with them, pet them, love them … they will love you back and that in itself is relaxing.
20. Vacation – this might be hard for some but if you have had a planned vacation and have put it off, consider getting it on the calendar.
21. Happy People – spend time with positive, happy people. Create a happy environment.
22. Talk – share with a trusted friend … or even a therapist or pastor what you might be stressing about. Talking about it can help release what has you down.
23. Social Media – take a break. Nothing more said.
24. Hobby – take up a hobby like knitting, sewing, drawing, woodworking.
25. Journal – start a Gratitude Journey to remind yourself of the blessings in your life … and there are blessings.
26. Stop procrastinating – procrastinating can bring on stress. Putting things off is not necessarily helpful to life itself.  Those tasks, chores or ideas that get put off are still there … sometimes looking at you in the face.
27. Unclutter – if there is a space in your home that is cluttered, spend time decluttering that space. It will feel great when you are done.  Clutter brings on stress for sure.
28. Flowers – add fresh flowers to your home. I buy fresh flowers weekly and always have them by my bed.  As I sit in bed and read, I see the beauty of them and smell their beautiful fragrance.

I hope this list helps give you some ideas on how you can release the stress in your life. Sometimes we get so used to it, that we don’t even realize we are living with a high level of stress.  It almost has become our friend … sadly so.  But what happens at night, it truly pops its ugly head with not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep.   If you are tired of living this way and would like to chat, I’d love to hear from you.  Let’s schedule a 30-Minute Free Consult.

Your Spiritual Life & Health Coach … believing in you!