HOW DO YOU WAKE UP?
Normally I am a morning person which is sometimes annoying for people who are not (like my daughter lol)! I am happy to bounce out of bed and get stuck into my day. However, at the moment, I am sometimes finding that difficult. I do find, that if I have a reason to get out of bed and a commitment I have made to myself, then it is a little easier. I am quite driven though!
Is stress ruining your life and health? Well, kick it out immediately and start each morning in a positive way with a few things you appreciate. Think, say, or even write down at least 7 things you are grateful for. This way you kick start your day on a high note. Continue this throughout your day so that you have no room for that stress to take over. I am very much the “glass is half full” person.
I also over the last few months have felt a little stressed and down. It is not my normal self, so I tried to find ways to combat it and carry on. I found positivity statements. Basically, I bought a whole load of T-shirts with positive statements on them that would make me reinforce the statement throughout the day…and it has really helped. So much so, together with a friend, we have set up a company.
When I go to bed at night, I think about my T-shirt for the morning. This gives me a positive vibe and lets me go to sleep….but there are many of us that have problems sleeping. Especially at the moment!
YOGA, MEDITATION & BREATHING
Something quite new for me, but one of my favourite things to do right now. I find having a routine at the moment helps. Doing this in the morning for 10 minutes right after reminding yourself of everything you are grateful for and your positive affirmation for the day, will give a real boost. It puts your mind at ease, letting you know everything will work out. Having that type of peace will overcome any stress that tries to creep in. If you start feeling a little worried through the day stop, take 5 deep breaths. There are many ways to do this. Either count to 4 as you breathe in and to 6 as you breath out, or say your positive affirmation in your head each time you breathe in and out, or you could have a different “mantra” for each day, such as “I am strong”, “I am enough”, I am “peaceful”. Basically whatever works for you until you get calm and can carry on.
STRESS RELEASE
Once we are into our day, it is easy to forget all the things you were grateful for, or the positive statements you made, and stress creeps back into that space again. You will have heard the expression “dance like no-one is watching”. Do it! Put on some good tunes and jump around, dance and sing your heart out. Involve the kids too and make it fun! Not only is this good exercise, it will release those “feel good” endorphins which will help smooth away the stress. I like to run like a crazy person up and down my stairs. (Better than chocolate – I promise!)
ONE DAY AT A TIME
Slow down! Don´t try to do everything. When managing stress, you must take it day by day. Focus on what’s right in front of you. Enjoy the moment and slow down as this will help dissipate stress. Getting yourself calm and in a positive headspace is the goal, so getting your mind focused on the here and now helps with clarity and confidence.
ESSENTIAL OILS
These can play a very important role in how you feel and how you manage your stress. For example, cedar wood is calming and good to use during meditation or yoga. Ylang Ylang is also very calming, and is excellent to help with relaxation and mental fatigue. There are also various “Zest for life” blended oils such as “En-R-Gee”, “Motivation” and “Live with Passion”. Not only are these all fantastic blends; they smell gorgeous too. That in itself can be uplifting. Essential Oils and CBD expert, Coral Gonzalez of laplantasabia.com is offering free online consultations as to which oils and how best to use. laplantasabia
STAY IN CONTACT
I know there will be days you don´t want to speak to anyone, and that´s OK from time to time. We all need to disconnect. But we do all need support and love and a friendly ear – especially at this time of isolation. We can´t physically meet up, be we can connect via social media in a positive way, or by phone or video chat. There are many groups around also where you can even meet new friends.
These are just a few great ways for managing stress to keep your wellbeing intact. Remember whatever you do don’t stress out or panic. Stressing doesn’t help change any situation in life. It usually makes it worse and can make everything feel overwhelming. I know it is easier said than done, but I hope some of these suggestions help. Feel free to leave a comment about how you handle stress – it might help others reading this blog. Thank you.
