Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Whether your need to soothe your mind or let out some energy, try these tips for dealing with stress.
1. Clean up
A clean and tidy home helps to create a visually calm space and feel less stressed. Clearing away clutter, making the bed and getting the windows to sparkle can give you a sense of accomplishment and control, as well as creating a comforting space.
2. Create a schedule
Adapting to change and living with uncertainty can be challenging, so creating a schedule can help to provide some stability.
Reduce your stress by scheduling time for exercise, reflection and fun, as well as work and family commitments.
3. Smell this
Essential oils, that are absorbed through the skin or travel as aroma molecules through the nose, set off reactions in receptor cells which lead to electrical impulses to the brain.
Essential oils like bergamot, lavender, sandalwood and geranium can all help to relieve stress and anxiety.
The oils can either be added to a base oil and massaged into the skin, used in a warm bath, a diffuser or inhaled from a tissue.
4. Dance
Find a song you love and dance to your heart’s content.
A study in the American Journal of Health Education has shown that dance is an outlet for emotional expression, stress reduction and creativity. Need inspiration? Spotify’s “Mood Booster” playlist is packed with feel-good songs.
5. Watch a comedy
Watching a YouTube video, television show or movie that will give you a belly laugh helps to lower the level of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, and boost the health-enhancing hormones including endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin.
