Stress that is. I want less stress. Just like the next person. I think we can all agree that stress isn't anyone's BFF. But sometimes, the thought of implementing stress relief practices into our daily lives can feel...well, stressful. I know it has felt that way for me. However, I have found some ways that are super easy to incorporate into your daily life, that don't take a ton of time, and they actually work. Here ya go friends...
Learn to breathe deep.
This simple act can help clear your mind and calm your nervous system. Set a timer on your phone every hour to practice! There are many different types of deep breathing exercises you can do. Diaphragmatic breathing (aka 360 breathing) is a great place to start.
Expecting and Empowered has a great tutorial on this (click here) and it hardly takes up much of your time. It's worth it.
Take a break.
You're allowed. One of my personal struggles is thinking that I have to "earn" my breaks or get X, Y, and Z done before I can rest. NOPE! This is false. And when I can come to terms with my own humanity and deservedness of a break simply because I'm a human being, it reduces my stress immensely. We are designed to need rest. Period.
Move your body.
Yeah yeah, we've heard this one a million times haven't we? But for real. It doesn't have to be as daunting as it sounds. You can go for a 15 minute walk during your lunch break, do heel raises at the kitchen sink, do 10 squats every time you take a potty break. Find little ways to incorporate physical activity into your every day life and improve your mental health.
Get outside.
Vitamin D is a proven immune and mood booster. Even if you live in a place that doesn't see the sun in winter (like me) getting outside still does wonders for the body. Oh, and practice some deep breaths while you're out there too. Fresh air is good for the lungs.
Talk with a professional.
With the interwebs available, you don't even have to leave your couch to do this with platforms like Better Help or Brightside. (I cannot say I've used these resources personally, I know that they exist and are available).
Practice mindfulness.
What does that even mean? I take this to mean a re-centering of sorts. Closing your eyes, taking a deep breath and being aware of where you are in the present moment. Blocking out everything that has to do with the future, what you said yesterday and shouldn't have or remembering that there's a weird smell in your kids bedroom you should address...all of it. Block it out. Repeat to yourself what you know about your surroundings and where you are in the present.
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