While we are setting our goals and resolutions, incorporate some simple and creative stress reducing techniques in daily routine. These will not only help you to lower stress in your life, but can give you a new outlook on life. Brooke Cade gives very creative ideas that will help you to reduce stress from your life.
1. Meditation
The practice of quieting the mind and reconnecting with yourself is an excellent way to reduce stress in your life. Studies have shown that meditation has even changed the brain structure after 8 weeks of meditation practice. Through taking a few minutes each day to practice meditation, you can reduce anxiety and muscle tension, improve your memory, heal from depression, and reconnect with your life purpose.
2. Try acupressure
Acupressure, an ancient Chinese healing art, uses gradual pressure to relieve blockages and improve your energy flow. By applying a gentle, yet firm, finger pressure to specific pressure points and meridians on your body, you can release tension and pain, increase circulation, and find aid in healing. Add some lavender essential oils for extra assistance in relaxation or another healing oil. Side note, acupuncture is another form of acupressure with the use of needles.
3. Move your body-Dance
Incorporate the best of both worlds through music and exercise to relieve stress in your life. When you’re dealing with stress, or are in a bad mood, put on your favorite music and dance around your home. This will not only help you feel better, but studies have shown that dance, through moving your body to the rhythm of the music, stimulates brain function . In addition, dance allows other muscles that might not be used often to move and is a lot of fun.
4. Perform an act of kindness
When you’re feeling stressed out take some time each week to perform a random act of kindness for someone else. Research has shown, when performing acts of kindness, the hormone oxytocin is released into your system giving you that emotional warmth feeling. Service has also shown to bring more satisfaction to our lives, reduce depression, and boost our overall mental health.Some simple acts of kindness you can perform. Call your parents or grandparents just to say hi. Choose a random person in a restaurant and anonymously pay for their meal or talk to someone you’ve never spoken to before. There are so many things you can do to make someone else’s day, and as you do this more, new ideas will come to mind.
5. Cuddle with a pet
Animals are another excellent way to reduce stress in your life. Take some time each day to cuddle with your dog, pet your cat, or play with your pet lizard to help you relax and improve your overall health. Some other perks of hanging out with your four-legged (or feather covered) friends, they can improve your relationships, reduce blood pressure, and are therapeutic.
6. Soak in a hot tub or warm bath
By soaking in warm water, you allow your body to slow down and you release the hormone, dopamine, into your body which combats the harmful effects associated with stress. Water also has a hydro static effect on the body and, when moving, water stimulates the touch receptors to boost circulation and release tension in the joints.
7. Create a zen zone
This space is perfect for creating a peaceful environment in your home to go to unwind and recharge. When setting up your zen zone, chose a place in your home that’s secluded where you can quiet your mind and let your creativity flow. This space doesn’t have to be huge, but choose a space you can make your own. While creating your zen space, choose an area where you can bring natural light to space, place plants throughout your zone to clear the toxins from the air, and add simple furniture that won’t distract. This is the perfect place to put your yoga mats, meditation pillows.
8. Keep a journal
There are a lot of other benefits to writing each day. By putting pen to paper, you’re more likely to achieve your goals, stretching your IQ, healing from emotional, physical, and mental pain, and boost memory. This is the time when you write about those petty worries, angry tirades, and any other thought on your mind. By setting aside time each morning, you allow your brain to do a mind dump and be more creative in your thinking. These are only a few things daily writing can do.
Source: naturalnews