Easy Stress Reducing Tips
The holidays are over and we are a few weeks into the winter season. Depending on where you live, chances are the weather is cold and there are more hours of darkness each day than light. Then the bills start rolling in from Christmas and it's no wonder you find yourself depressed and stressed. What can you do? Here are a few suggestions to help you get through this time:
Take a nap. Sometimes, when stress or depression is at a high level, we become so drained of emotional and physical energy that one of the best things we can do for ourselves is to rest for awhile and "recharge". This will make it easier to work though the stressful situation or depression at a later time with a stronger mind and body.
Leave the situation if possible. Go for a walk. Get some air. Change your environment for awhile, even if for a few minutes. Give your body and mind a chance to burn off some of the adrenaline and other chemicals in your bloodstream which are causing you to feel tense, stressed or depressed. Take a break and eat a small snack.
Take a warm bath or shower. Men favor showers...women usually baths. Warm water is very soothing and relaxing to tight and tense muscles, and to the mind. Add your favorite essential oil for additional benefits. Lavender essential oil is excellent for both depression and stress. A long bath or shower, followed by a time out in an easy chair or nap without distraction, can do wonders.
Learn to meditate and practice it daily. Meditation is one of the best ways to reduce stress and feel more in control of your life. Studies have proven that daily self-relaxation or meditation 1-2 times a day for 20-30 minutes in the morning and afternoon or early evening greatly improves a person's wellness from a physical and emotional standpoint. It's not hard to learn, and it can prevent much of your daily stress and even illness in your life.
Watch a funny movie. This will take your mind off of the stress for awhile and it allows the body to create positive chemicals to enhance your mood. It will also help you think more clearly. Laughter is great medicine. We should all try to laugh a little every day.
Talk to a positive friend. Sometimes talking something out with a person who will simply listen is very helpful. Just be sure the person is someone who will be accepting, compassionate, and positive with you. Pick a person who is solid and balanced and who cares for you and is an easy going and knowledgeable listener. Just getting things off your chest sometimes can be a big help.
Exercise. This will create brain chemicals that are good for depression as well as pain and stress. Walking is one of the best exercises if you are not into or cannot do the more intense aerobic types of exercise. Walk and view nature and notice things and keep your focus on what you see, and don't think about your problems during your exercise time.
Put things in perspective. Unless you are dying, or a loved one is dying or has died, whatever is going on is not a life or death situation. Think about how important whatever is stressing you out will be in a week, a month, or a year from now. If it is on-going, think about ways to change your situation so you do not have the continual stress from it. Trust in the old saying, "This too, shall pass." Most of the things people allow themselves to get worked up about in life are simply not worth the toll it takes on their physical and emotional bodies. Unless what you are stressed or depressed about is a VERY serious matter, life is too short to allow it to make your mind and body feel so terrible! As another expression goes, "Don't sweat the small stuff". (And it is almost all small stuff if you look at the "big picture").
Don't be afraid to seek professional support. If you have tried several other things, and the depression and/or stress is still controlling your life, seek out professional help from a counselor, a coach specializing in stress management, a pastor, or other trained professional. There are some times when we need to admit that while we may have all the answers inside of us, we cannot always access them alone without some guidance or help.
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Please include bio when using this article. Susan Stewart is co-founder and partner of It's My Nature, a home based Aromatherapy business in Florence, Oregon. Providing dried herbs, essential oils and many unique products. Catering to the beginner with small sizes, recipes and an informative monthly newsletter. See It's My Nature's large, informative website at http://itsmynature.net or a catalog is available by calling 1-888-445-5051. |
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Seasonal Affective Disorder and What You Can Do About It
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