Life can be busy. Life can be stressful. Life can sometimes lift you up and take you on journeys that you never thought you’d be able to withstand. However, all the little stresses and strains can leave their mark on you – on your health, your emotional well-being, and even on your appearance. Stress is downright ugly, and there is no place for it in your life.
How often do you take time for yourself? We’re talking unplugging the laptop, turning off the phone and closing the door on life for an hour or so. How often do you really do that? If the answer is not often, then this post is for you.
Ten little ways to beat stress and make time for YOU.
Take a bath
Yes, it really can be that simple. Run a bath filled with your favourite bath time organic goodies and relax. Take a book with you, a glass of wine even and perhaps stick your favourite music on. However you choose to do it, taking a bath can be a wonderful way to unwind and relax. And if you’re looking for soaps that will enhance the stress busting experience for you, look no further than our very own handmade soaps to lather up, use on your legs and underarms as a shaving creme, relax and . Enjoy!
Have a massage
If you’re stressed and feeling tense emotionally, it’s often relayed in your body too. We tend to unwittingly tense our muscles to match our mood, and the result can be sore and aching bodies that are crying out to be soothed. If you can’t get to a professional, ask your partner to do it for you. Having a good massage helps to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, relax your muscles and increase the flow of endorphins through the body. Those endorphins are essential for feelings of happiness, and add to that the boost of serotonin and dopamine, and you have a recipe for calm, happy relaxation. Go for it!
Go for a walk
Being outside in the fresh air can do wonders for our peace of mind, and the gentle exercise doesn’t hurt either. Ten minutes away from your desk can make a huge difference in your temperament, and can help you to re-focus on whatever it is that has been stressing you out. If you can’t manage to leave your desk, for whatever reason, try at least stretching your legs and taking ten minutes away instead. Gently exercising the body helps you to reconnect when you really need it.
Try some yoga
We’ve already written about the benefits of yoga, and our post actually contained five of the best stress busting yoga moves out there. Take some time to re-familiarise yourself with it and clear a space in your diary today. Your body and mind will thank you for it…
Turn off the technology
Loud noises, back lit screens, incessant beeps and constant plies for your attention can be VERY stressful. You need some time each day to switch off and let the technology continue without you. You won’t miss anything. It will all still be there when you return refreshed, and ready to tackle it all again once more.
Listen to some music
The power of music! It calms the soul, and feeds the mind. Listening to music can help you to relax, soothe and unwind at the end of a busy day. Even if it’s just in the car on the way home from work! Don’t be afraid to sing along too – this releases endorphins and increases oxygen flow too, so you can rest assured that your slightly off key garbles are actually good for you!
Meditate
Meditation has the power to wipe the slate clean at the end of a stressful day, and the good news is that you can do it literally anywhere. All you need is calm and quiet space. Close your eyes, clear your mind and relax.
Read a book
Many adults get so caught up in everyday stresses and commitments, that sometimes the simple act of reading a book is swept to one side. If you can, take half an hour at the end of the day to lose yourself in a book. You’ll be surprised at how relaxing this can be (and what you can learn!)
Have a facial
You don’t even need to go anywhere special for this. You can make your own face masks at home (we have some fab recipes for masks and scrubs using honey here) but we do know that every now and then it pays to get someone else to do it for you. My hot favourite is the Rainforest Facial by Ila…. Don’t feel guilty for taking time off for this – stress can play havoc on your skin and we all need a little boost now and then.
Write write write…
Journals have been my outpouring since a teen. Sometimes, seeing all of the things that are stressing you out in black and white can really help to focus your mind. Don’t forget to balance it with the positives though – and gratitude. Even if you don’t want to commit to writing daily (highly recommend) then simply write down your worries, and seal them in an envelope at the end of the day. Then either file them away or burn them – physically and mentally. Tomorrow is a new day. Often the very act of writing can be therapeutic too, and helps to organise thoughts in a busy mind.
So tell us. What did you do for yourself today?
