Top 5 Ways to Reduce Your Stress

 

Do you ever find yourself wondering how you found yourself overwhelmed with a million commitments running around like a chicken without a head?  You feel so overwhelmed that there is no time to slow down and figure out exactly how you are feeling?  You begin to feel disconnected from your true feelings and wonder what it is exactly that you need at any particular moment.  I can totally relate to this...no time to slow down and wonder exactly what I need to help myself feel grounded and completely at peace in the world.  It is very important that we each find peace within ourselves, a resolution to the questions we have in our mind, knowing that we are exactly where we are meant to be in this moment.  We need to have peace within ourselves to have peace in the world and it starts with each one of us.  Seriously...there are so many frazzled people out there, filling their lives with a million commitments that leave them empty and wondering what exactly is their purpose in life.  As human beings, spiritual beings, we were never meant to live like this.  Our lives are supposed to be filled with meaning and purpose, where we focus on making the world a better place, teaching the future generation to care about those around them and how they can be contributors to a peaceful planet.  Life was not meant to be rushing around from soccer to taekwondo to dance class, then dinner and bedtime.  But that is exactly the life that many people are living...it is my life anyway.  I married a busy body.  I understand that not everyone feels that a vacation should be relaxing on a beach in Cancun with a kids club.  My husband feels that kids need to be kept busy with little downtime...and I obviously feel that downtime is very necessary.  So, I need to focus on balance.  Sure, children love to have activities and things to do...and to some extent, it is important.  Having a skill can be a great source of pride for someone...the ability to dance, play soccer or be a pro in taekwondo gives children a sense of accomplishment.  But the ability to slow down, to feel your feelings, to have the silence to listen to the quiet voice inside of you....is also extremely important.  

I am sure you know many adults that just cannot sit in silence.  Their mind cannot shut down and always have thoughts racing through their head making it tough for them to relax in that yoga class they are taking.  I have heard this time and time again...it is hard for me to quiet my mind.  Being able to quiet the mind is very important to reduce stress in life, to have peace within.  If you have so many things to do, eventually, you will get worn down.  You will find yourself filling your day with mindless activities, so many activities, you forget to focus on the most important aspect of you, your soul.  That quiet voice inside you saying, "I am here...please notice me".  Our spirits and souls, energy or life force, whatever you want to call it, is that quiet voice inside of you.  It is the part of you that is love, acceptance, peace, compassion...it is all already inside each of us.  But when you fill up your days with so many things to do, you will not be able to recognize your spirit and feel disconnected and distressed.  In order for us to thrive as human beings, we need to reduce our level of stress...which can also mean, reducing our commitments so that we can commit to the 5 essential activities that reduce our stress and help us recognize and pay homage to our life force within.  

The importance of reducing our stress is also due to the effects of stress on our bodies.  Stress hormones trigger our "fight or flight" response where our heart races, breath quickens, and muscles contract.  Being stressed consumes energy and nutrients which could otherwise be used to protect the body (as from infectious disease).  Stress reduction improves sleep, reduces irritability, anxiety, and depression.  But if you have continued stress, over time, serious health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes may develop.  Chronic stress triggers the production of cortisol and catecholamines such as dopamine and norepinephrine, hormones that activate the body to either fight or flight.  As these hormones surge through the body, the immune system is suppressed since various immune cells are blocked. 

So, are you ready?  Here are my top five ways to reduce your stress each and every day...

1.  Reduce your commitments.

     If you reduce your commitments, you will have more time to focus on yourself and what you need for inner peace. 

2.  Go for a walk in nature.

      Regular exercise lowers stress hormones and helps release endorphins which are chemicals that improve mood and act as natural painkillers.  Exercise also improves sleep quality and feelings of confidence.  

3.  Consider supplements and aromatherapy.

     Lemon balm, kava kava, valerian, and certain herbal teas help relieve stress and anxiety and boost sleep.  Certain essential oils such as lavender, rose, bergamot, roman chamomile, sandalwood, orange, and frankincense also help relieve stress and contribute to a relaxing environment.  

4.  Journaling, crafting, golfing, painting, sewing.  

     When you find an activity that helps you relax, it is helpful to do it often and incorporate it into your day.  I love to crochet and knit, so when I have the time, I pick up my hook or knitting needles and dive right into what I call my active meditation!  If you are looking for scarves, hair bows or extra warms socks, please visit my store www.lulalovely.etsy.com.  

5.  Connect with friends and family!

     If I am having a crumby day, I always seem to feel better after having coffee with my friends or spending time with my family.  Make sure you spend time with those who love and care about you!  They help give credence to your existence and validate what a wonderful person you are!

Hope my top five ways to reduce your stress help you to not only relax but find inner peace and contentment within!  I hope you pick up a hobby you love or take that walk out in nature.  You for sure deserve it!