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Stress Relief & Wise Words

stress relief tips

If you’re alive, you have stress.  Isn’t that an understatement lately?!  As the world continues to be a bit topsy-turvy, it’s worth taking a few minutes each day to mitigate the effects of stress on your mind, body and soul.  Toward that effort, we’ve compiled a large list of stress busters so you can choose your favorites.  But don’t take our “word” for it . . . we also found some uplifting quotes to help, too.  😊

Stress Relief Techniques

Meditate

Meditation doesn’t need to be complicated, and—contrary to popular belief—you do not need to wipe your mind of all thoughts!  The point is to slow down and be in the moment for a while. If it helps you to repeat a sound, like “ohm” or a word, like “love” to keep your mind from racing, then do that.  Or use a breathing technique.

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” —Thích Nhất Hạnh

Go Outside

Nature has a rejuvenating effect, whether it’s in your backyard, on a walking trail through the woods or at the beach.  Just leave your electronics behind and breathe the fresh air.

“In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life—no disgrace, no calamity (leaving me my eyes), which nature cannot repair.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Don’t try to force anything. Let life be a deep let-go. God opens millions of flowers every day without forcing their buds.” —Osho

Make “Me” Time

Even 15 minutes of time to yourself every day is helpful, whether it’s a cup of coffee before your day begins or some quiet time in your car before you walk into work or pick up the kids from school.  If you’ve found yourself spending most of your time on DIY home projects or helping kids with schoolwork, make the time to do something YOU want to do for yourself.

  • Read for pleasure
  • Investigate/start a new hobby or creative endeavor
  • Go by yourself to that museum nobody else wants to visit
  • Take yourself on a shopping trip to buy something special—it doesn’t have to be big or expensive!
  • Create a dream board
  • Indulge in some self-care (bath, facial, mani-pedi, haircut, etc.)
  • Listen to your favorite music or find some new artists to enjoy

“Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it.” —Brian Tracy

“We all have those things that even in the midst of stress and disarray, they energize us and give us renewed strength and purpose. These are our passions.” —Adam Braun

Food for Stress Relief

Did you know eating certain foods can help reduce anxiety levels?  These six foods contain nutrients that boost your brain and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety:

  1. Salmon – contains vitamin D and DHA, which promote brain health
  2. Chamomile – consume as a soothing herbal tea with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
  3. Turmeric – an earthy spice that contains curcumin, which is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
  4. Dark Chocolate – this treat contains antioxidants called flavanols and it has been shown to boost serotonin, which influences mood
  5. Yogurt – contains probiotics that support digestive tract health, where 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced
  6. Green Tea – this beverage contains L-theanine and EGCG, both associated with anxiety reduction and brain health

“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.” —Unknown

Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Scents can have a calming effect on the nervous system.  The use of essential oils for stress reduction is known as aromatherapy.  Oils traditionally used for symptoms of stress or anxiety include:

  • Frankincense
  • Orange
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Melissa
  • Valerian
  • Patchouli
  • Rose
  • Roman chamomile
  • Ylang ylang

There are lots of ways to use essential oils every day, from wearing them to cleaning with them!  Read our beginner’s guide for tips and how to use essential oils safely!

“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” —Hermann Hesse

Supplements that Help with Stress

Vitamins, minerals and herbs can also help you take the edge off.  Here are a few:

  • Magnesium: Your body uses up magnesium when you’re under stress, and it also gets depleted if you regularly drink coffee or alcohol.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: One study showed that medical students who received omega-3 supplements experienced a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms.
  • B-complex: The B vitamins which are essential for many functions in your body, especially within your nervous system, get depleted when you’re under stress.
  • Ashwagandha: This herb is used by Ayurvedic medicine practitioners to treat stress and anxiety.
  • Kava kava: Originally used by native people of the South Pacific as a sedative, is also used in Western cultures to treat mild stress and anxiety.
  • Lemon balm: Usually found as an ingredient in herbal teas, lemon balm has been studied for its anti-anxiety effects.
  • Valerian: Valerian root is a popular sleep aid for its tranquilizing effect. It contains valerenic acid, which alters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors to lower anxiety.

Please check with your health care professional before you take supplements, as they may interact with your medications.

Visit Our Salt Room for Stress Relief

If you’ve ever wondered why an oceanside resort is so relaxing, the salt in the air may provide a clue.  Salt therapy has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.  In addition, the antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties of salt have been documented to help with skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis and eczema.

The salt room itself provides therapy.  Soft music, dimmed lights, zero-gravity chairs and the absence of electronic devices for a solid 45 minutes lend to its spa-like atmosphere; and is just as relaxing.

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” —Sydney J. Harris

Is salt therapy safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

YES!  HEPA air filters in the room capture and remove up to 99.97 percent of airborne particles, including viral particles (viruses like COVID-19), while activated carbon filters remove volatile organic compounds.  A UV light kills 98.8 percent of bacteria and viruses on surfaces.  Salt therapy is clinically proven, natural, safe, and beneficial for every age group.  Click here for more information about the Salt Room on our premises.

Some Additional Calming Quotes

We’ll end our article with more uplifting words to consider:

“Doing something that is productive is a great way to alleviate emotional stress. Get your mind doing something that is productive.” —Ziggy Marley

“It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials.” —Bruce Lee

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” —William James

“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” —Kahlil Gibran

“You are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” —Christopher Robin

 

Photo:  123RF/profile_stockbroker

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