Anxiety

Getting Grounded (earthing)

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Getting Grounded (earthing)The phenomenon of being grounded involves being centered, focused, embodied, and in better control of all your faculties. It is a helpful state of being for reducing anxiety, dealing with depression, and addressing trauma.

Walk in the Grass in Bare Feet!

What is it: Take off your shoes and allow the soles of your feet to come in contact with the sand, grass, rocks, soil, or even indoors.

Why it works: People who talk about the phenomenon of earthing describe the electron transfer between living systems and the electromagnetic field of the earth. They may sound a bit esoteric, but research does confirm the antioxidant effects of walking barefoot on the earth. Some of the additional benefits include stimulation of reflexology points on the feet as well as the articulation of the joints of the foot and the benefits of the massaging action of walking barefoot on the fascia and other tissues of the feet.

Walk inside with bare feet while its cold, but get outside with those bare feet when it warms up.

Using Essential Oils to Help Us Emotionally

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Let’s talk about some Young Living oils that can help us emotionally during our time of social distancing and not leaving the house. Here are a few that I use most frequently.

Joy


I use Joy when I am feeling a bit down or depressed because I haven’t been able to go out and see others for a while. A few drops of Joy in my diffuser boosts my mood.		Joy

Peace and Calming


I use Peace and Calming when I start feeling anxious or worried about all that is going on around me. It works great at calming me down.		Peace and Calming

Stress Away


I use Stress Away when I get stressed about all those what if’s in life. This can also come in handy when you have multiple people confined in one home for long periods of time. It can help to diffuse short tempers. Peace and Calming could also be used for this.		Stress Away

There are many other Young Living oils that can help us through this trying and emotional time, but these are the ones I generally go to first.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the information in these blogs please feel free to contact me through The Hammock LLC.

Well, that is it for now. We will chat again later.

Melissa

Using the Breath to Calm the Nervous System

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Calm the Nervous SystemIt is interesting to know that our breath is important for healing the effects of trauma. Remember our breath is a constant companion for us throughout our day.

The time we spend on the yoga mat or the meditation cushion provides us with the practice that allows us to bring our attention to our breath in stressful moments. Examples of this can be everything from driving in the car, flying, giving a presentation, going to or being at work, and even our experiences with the latest pandemic.

Make it a practice to simply pause and take a deep breath.

Make it a habit to slow down the pace of your breath whenever you can.

Think of it as an instantaneous attitude adjustment.

Forest Bathing

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Forest BathingWhat is it? Japanese name for this practice is Shinrin-Yoku. Distinct from hiking, forest bathing is a practice of simply spending time in nature without any agenda. You can be in a remote area or even a park or urban forest to experience the benefits. Find a spot you love that is easy to access and just go outside. Refrain from text messaging.

How it works – Proven stress-relief comes from spending unstructured time in nature. There is a growing body of research that confirms the benefits, which include stress-reduction, improved immune system function, and reduction in anxiety and depression.

My favorite places for forest bathing are Lake Michigan, and in the woods in the fall and winter when there are few people. What is your favorite place to “forest bathe”? I love to either walk mindfully or just sit in one spot. Give it a try…I bet you will feel a sense of peace and a clearer mind.

Peace & Calming Essential Oil

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Peace and CalmingThis oil helps to calm me down when I am feeling anxious. I have also used it to help me relax and sleep at night. It only takes a few minutes of smelling this oil before I feel myself relaxing and calming down.

Others have used Peace & Calming in their children’s diffusers to help them calm down and get a good night’s sleep. Peace & Calming has been used to help calm children and pets during storms. People have used this oil on their child’s tummy or feet when they are having a tantrum.

It can also be used to help improve the look of your skin. Peace & Calming can be used as part of your massage or to diffuse while doing Yoga. I have also used this as part of my perfume since it smells so good and gives me a feeling of peace and calming. I love using oils for my perfume because then I not only smell nice but the oils are doing something good for me. My favorite perfume blend so far is Joy, Stress Away, and Peace & Calming.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the information in these blogs please feel free to contact me through The Hammock LLC.

Well that is it for now. We will chat again later.

Melissa

Taking Care of Yourself

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Taking Care of YourselfYour children can often pick up on your stress much like a sponge.

  • Do routine things to ensure less stress for all
  • Do your best to make sure the entire family eats a balanced meal to stay well and nourished. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and exercise.
  • Do not forget to take care of yourself. If you are not feeling okay, it conflicts with the order of everything else.
  • Take a nap, read a book, or take a long hot bath. Relaxation is one of the ways you can best approach the struggles with that following stress and anxiety.

Help Anxious Children

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Help Anxious ChildrenAnxious people tend to be hyper-aware of their surroundings. They are always on the lookout for possible threats or risks in new situations.  Plan ahead.

  • Talk to your children about upcoming situations.
  • Teach your child to shake hands to say hello instead of a hug.
  • Practice deep breathing techniques for when your child is overwhelmed.
  • Eliminate the unexpected.
  • Tell your child ahead of time what to expect.
  • Create a secret signal. This is a way you and your child can let each other know when they need help without alerting others.
  • Schedule special family time.  Try to find time for your family to sit down together to play games, watch a video, or engage in other fun and relaxing activities.

How to Overcome Your Fears of Traveling

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Overcome Your Fear of TravelingPeople with agoraphobia may find things such as overcrowded airports and train stations overwhelming. Many anticipate their trips with dread. Those with generalized anxiety may find a bunch of new things to worry about during travel. This can interfere with your life. It is important to remember that avoidance will not help you overcome anxiety. Instead of dreading travel try practicing your fears head-on. Taking one step at a time and have some support.

Plan and confirm all details: to decrease your stress, try to book flights that leave early in the day when the airport is less crowded.  Allow plenty of time to organize your belongings, your IDs for security checkpoints, and check to make sure that you have your medication.

Start thinking ahead. Make a list of activities that you would like to engage in during your travel. Plan stress-reducing techniques. Such as slow, deep breathing, meditation, and progressive relaxation.

Put your strategies to reduce anxiety to work.  Connect with staff on the plane, request seating by the aisle or window whichever you feel most comfortable.

 

How to De-Stress

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  1. How to De-StressTake the Pressure off Yourself. If you set high expectations for yourself and for others, you’re more likely to feel let down. Be flexible as some things won’t go exactly as plan. You may feel as if people are focusing on you, but in reality, most people are probably wondering what you are thinking of them.
  2. Identifying your specific needs. Are you afraid that you will say the wrong thing at the wrong time? Or you might say something to embarrass yourself in front of people? Remind yourself that although you may feel uncomfortable, that is the worst that can happen to you in this situation.
  3. Do not look for relief in alcohol or drugs. Although it is tempting at times to “take the edge off” alcohol and drugs can make anxiety far worse. It could even trigger panic attacks.
  4. Saying NO is normal. Try not to over-schedule yourself. You do not need to be a people pleaser. You don’t have to be guilted by the pressures of accepting every invitation that you may receive.

Tips to Help Prevent Stress, Anxiety, and Mild Depression During the Winter Months

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  • Tips to Help Prevent Stress, Anxiety, and Mild Depression During the Winter MonthsMake realistic expectations for each day
  • Set realistic goals for yourself
  • Pace yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle
  • Make a list and prioritize the important activities
  • Be realistic about what you can and can not do
  • Do not put all your energy into just one day
  • “Live in the moment” not all of the stuff that needs to be done
  • Look to the future with optimism
  • Don’t set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with “the good old days” of the past
  • If you are lonely, try volunteering some of your time to help others
  • Limit your consumption of alcohol, since excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression
  • Try something new
  • Spend time with supportive and caring people
  • Reach out and make new friends
  • Make time to contact a long lost friend or relative
  • Make time for yourself
  • Let others share the responsibilities of daily tasks
  • Keep track of your spending. Overspending can lead to depression when the bills arrive