Create “mindful reminders” by choosing something that happens randomly during your day such as getting a text, stopping at a red light, noticing a flowering tree, finding a red car, and others. Use it as a signal to pause and take a few breaths.- Do more of what you love. When you get busy and stressed (which seems to be a lot at times) resist the tendency to skip the things that feel your soul. Instead, double down on what you love-whether it is hiking, reading, coloring, dancing, or spending time with people who make you laugh.
- Oil your feet before bed. Try a warm bottle of sunflower or coconut oil in a bowl of hot water, use about a tablespoon to coat your feet and ankles and massage each foot for a few minutes. You could even rub your special friend or person’s feet while they rub yours. This is very relaxing and could promote a good night sleep.
- Give yourself a good shot of nature throughout the day. Get outside for a few minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening. During your time outside bring in your sensory awareness such as the sounds, the feeling of the breeze, and the colors around you.
- Savor the good. Each day or night ask yourself “What was a great moment today?” This will help you change your thinking toward positive thoughts and emotions.
Stress
De-Stress with Art
F
eeling overwhelmed? You might want to bust out a pack of colored pencils, crayons, colored markers, and even paints. Individuals report that they feel better, have more confidence, and are less stressed and anxious when they participate in some type of art. When we create, we are using our senses and engaging in a form of problem-solving. This gives us a sense of accomplishment and lets us express the emotions we can’t put into words. There is much potential in art which includes improved cognitive, sensory, motor skills, and a feeling of calm and well-being.
Using Essential Oils to Help Us Emotionally
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.
JoyI 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. |  |
Peace and CalmingI 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. |  |
Stress AwayI 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. |  |
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
It 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
What 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.
Let’s Talk About Stress Away
Another one of my favorite oils is Stress Away. The name says it all. It comes in an oil and in a roller. It has a unique combination of Lime and Vanilla extract and smells amazing!
I use this oil daily. Some days more than once or twice. It is great for helping you to relax when you are feeling pressure from everyday stresses. Here are some ways it can be used:
- Had a long, tough day? Diffuse it around your home for a soothing aroma.
- Need to feel its calming? Apply it to your wrists or back of the neck while at work or school to enjoy its calming scent.
- Have a long drive or rush-hour commute? Add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it in the air vent of your car to create a calming environment.
- Send kids to school on test day with Stress Away’s soothing aroma.
- Apply it to your wrists to wear it as a pleasant perfume.
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.
Taking Care of Yourself
Your 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
Anxious 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
People 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
Take 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.- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
