We’ve all experienced some level of stress in our lives.
Some thrive on the motivation stress brings and short term stress can motivate you
to get things done, but chronic stress is detrimental to your health.
If you’re feeling frazzled between the constant chatter, deadlines, and never-ending
commitments, take some time each day to practice some self-care.
If you’re reading this and shaking your head, wondering where you’re going to find
time in your hectic schedule for “you time,” remember this doesn’t have to be huge.
“Block out a few minutes each day
to give yourself a moment to
gather your thoughts and
recharge your batteries.”
Here are 5 ideas to help you start practicing self-care to relieve stress and start
living your best life.
1. Aromatherapy
Essential oils have seemed to grow in popularity over the past few years, but aromatherapy
has been around for thousands of years.
To help you relax after a long day, grab some of your favorite essential oils (I recommend
lavender, chamomile, or lemon) and go soak in the bathtub for a half hour.
If you don’t have the time, or aren’t much of a bath person, massage a drop of your favorite oil
on your third eye, wrists, and other pressure points.
2. Gratitude
Turn on the news and you quickly find out everything that is going wrong in the world—adding
to your stress level.
Instead, take some time each day (ideally when you wake up and right before bed) to turn off
the TV and reflect on what you’re grateful for that day.
Keep a journal so you can look back over those things, big or small, that you’re thankful for.
The more you do this, the more you’ll be able to shift your focus from everything that is “wrong”
with your life and find happiness in the little things.
3. Creative projects
Right now, adult coloring books are huge.
Adults are turning to them to help relieve stress and reconnect with that part of them when they
didn’t have any worries and could enjoy the simplicity of coloring.
If you don’t like to color, have some fun writing a little story or poem, playing an instrument,
or doing some kind of creative project that brings you joy.
4. Practice saying no
For women especially, saying “no” is not always the easiest thing to say.
Because of that, we tend to stretch ourselves too thin, which can make us feel overwhelmed.
Before you agree to something, take a moment to consider what is being asked of you and ask
yourself: “Is this something you want to do?”
Does it take too much time away from other things you want to do?
Remember, it’s okay to say no.
5. Exercise
Let loose and get your body moving.
When feeling stressed, give your mind and body a break by hitting the gym, going for a walk
around your neighborhood, or take in a dance class.
Exercise is not only a great way to lose weight, but can improve your mood and energy as well.
Life is too precious to live your life in constant stress.
Use the 5 ideas above, add your own, and find ways to help you let go of stress and live the life
you always wanted.
About the Author
Brooke Cade is passionate about health and wellness. She enjoys writing about all the things she loves in life, including running, yoga, Nature’s Sunshine products, and anything related to living life to its fullest.
What other ideas can you add to help relieve stress and live your best life?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
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Such a great list, I need to remember to practice them <3 <3
Love this advice – practical and so true. We all need a reminder of the simple things we can do to manage our stress – Shared and pinned.
Those are some very practical and easy ways to relieve stress. I use most of these on a regular basis to help with my anxiety.
I totally agree with your ways! 🙂 Great list. I love using lavender and coloring the most. But gratitude is definitely up there too.
Lynn
I have got to get back to exercising regularly. I do a great job over the summer, but when the school year hits, I’m just overwhelmed and tired. Starting immediately!!