Hey Friends!
For 2021, we are all about building better habits and one of those habits which require development is dealing with stress. 2020 was definitely a whirlwind but we’re not trying to psych ourselves out anymore in this pandemic. It ain’t going anywhere soon. To be honest, stress is a part of life and the only thing we can do is find a way to respond to it. The pandemic may not be the only thing stressing you out right now, but whatever else that’s happening we’re going to find healthy ways to deal with it.
Please note, I’m not a therapist or a doctor of any kind, I’m simply sharing ways in which I deal with stress or what has been recommended to me and hopefully it can help you find a new activity. Also to note that what works for me may not work for you and the methods I’ve listed below may not work in all situations.
1/ JOURNALING
I restarted this journey at the latter part of 2020 and so far it’s been going well. It helps to get thoughts out of my head and once stressed can help identify the point source of that stressor. This way you can gain control of your emotions and decide the best way forward in reducing your stress. Therefore, journaling isn’t the only step in this process but a part of it. Journaling doesn’t have to be any big planned event or super organized ideal, think of it as your personal relaxation time.
Don’t know how to start? Here are a few basic prompts:
- What are you grateful for?
- Describe your day
- Something that went well
- What are your short term goals and how do you plan to achieve them?
- Just write!
2/ EXERCISE
When I was in university and went to the gym regularly I felt good! Despite being sore from the workouts my mood was definitely lifted and I think it helped me perform better in my studies. However, consistency was and still is a struggle. Exercising doesn’t have to be a 24/7 thing nor does it only need to take place in a gym. Since moving back home, and more so when the pandemic hit I’ve been going on walks/hikes more and even started doing at home workouts.
Exercise helps increase endorphins (your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters) – hence why I said above my mood was lifted. There are a list of great benefits for exercising, and there’s no doubt that it should be a part of your regular routine.
Exercise ideas:
- Going for a morning/evening walk
- Hiking once a week
- Joining a class (yoga, zumba etc)
- Biking
- Swimming
- At home workouts (youtube has a bunch of videos)
3/ AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.
– healthline.com
I’ve heard of Aromatherapy before, but never gave it a try until last month. While looking through Bath & Body Works’ website for new candle scents I came across one marked “stress relief”. I thought to myself that this may be a good option to give my room that “vibe” after coming home from work and wanting to destress. The candle advertised had a fragrance of Eucalyptus and tea with natural essential oils. The first time I lit it I wasn’t fond of the scent but I think it’s one that grows on you. I also tricked myself into thinking that it’s working even though I don’t like the smell, lol.
Bath & Body Works has a few aromatherapy options where you can “treat your mind, body and senses to essential oil-filled essentials you’ll want to use every day.” There are 6 different moods available based on what you’re looking for, stress relief, energy, love, balance, sleep and comfort. Each of these moods have their own special fragrance from lavender to orange and ginger and come in a range of products (lotions, scrubs, candles etc).
Have you ever tried Aromatherapy before? If so, please share with me below your experience. Feel free to also share other stress relief methods that you may use.
Until next time,
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