It’s that day of the week we’ve all been waiting for. You probably have a few plans for the weekend already. But there you are – exhausted & stressed to the max!!!
Stress and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues we all suffer from. They give us overwhelming emotions that sap our energy, make us less productive, and make us feel down. And even though we cannot completely do away with feeling stressed and anxious, luckily, there are several stress-reducing strategies we can use right now.
Breathe.
Breathing can work miracles when you are experiencing negative emotions, such as anger. Taking a long, deep breath to calm your mind and body has been scientifically proven to work, and in fact, is the key component of some of the most powerful mind-body exercises like meditation and yoga. Slow, deep breathing is a way to distract the mind from engaging in negative thoughts and emotions. At the same time, the inhalation of fresh air decreases the amount of cortisol – negative hormone produced by the adrenals – released in the body in response to stress. This very simple practice of mindful breathing is very powerful.
Laugh.
Laughter’s the best medicine. Did you know that one good belly laugh also kicks the immune system into gear for the next 36 hours. When you laugh, magical things happen inside your body, one of which is the release of the ‘feel good’ chemicals (endorphins) in your body that promote positive feelings, and reduce stress-inducing cortisol. As soon as you begin to feel that unwanted sensation of stress or anxiety, pause for a while, browse through some joke sites, watch a 2-minute funny video clip, or read a feel-good book. Taking time to laugh every day is a great way to lessen mental fatigue and reduce stress.
Socialize.
Friends benefit your health in so many ways. Make it a habit to bond with your close friends on a regular basis. And when we say ‘bond’ it means spending quality time with them up close, not through Facebook or any social media. Having a cup of tea with a friend can really help to relieve high levels of stress, and recharge your batteries. What’s more, it gives you a perfect outlet to vent your emotions or anything that bothers you.
Write.
Sometimes, it is too hard to understand our thoughts and the emotions we feel. It is hard to even describe them. Getting a pen and paper is a good strategy to have a clearer picture of what you are going through physically, mentally and emotionally. Scribble your feelings onto a piece of paper. Keeping a daily journal does a great job in helping yourself understand your feelings more.
Walk.
Walking is one of the best methods available when it comes to alleviating stress. Walking gives your body an outlet for the build-up of energy that triggers stress, and since it is a form of exercise, walking keeps you fit and healthy as a result.
What if these stress-reducing strategies aren’t enough?
The body self-heals, but sometimes, it’s so far out of kilter that it needs some additional help. That’s where natural healing therapies come in! So if you need something to kickstart or assist your body in its healing process, why not book a treatment session with Janene?