Ok, it's pretty stressful at the moment to say the least. There's a lot going on in the world out there, let alone all that we have to deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes it can just get a little bit overwhelming.
I decided to write this post because it's things I've started to incorporate into my lifestyle. I do them to try and maintain my sanity levels when I can feel the 'crazy' in me bubbling up like lava.
1 - TAKE 'MINDFUL MINUTES' THROUGHOUT THE DAY
If you have an Apple Watch, you will more than likely have the 'Breathe' app which does this perfectly, but if not, just set the timer on your phone for one minute. In that time, focus on your breathing and begin to breathe in for the count of four and breathe out for the count of six. This should activate your parasympathetic nervous system and help to calm your breathing.
2 - GROUND YOURSELF
Sometimes it's easy to lose ourselves and not feel grounded on the Earth. You can practice this exercise during your 'mindful minute' or at a separate time. Sit on a chair with your feet on the floor and just feel the soles of your feet on the Earth. Gently press them down and feel the connection between you and the ground.
3 - DRINK A CALMING HERBAL TEA
It can be tempting to nip to the local coffee shop to have a break in the day, but instead of loading up on caffeine, why not opt for a herbal tea that can help calm you instead. Try Chamomile, lemon balm, or pre-blended teas designed to help with de-stressing.
4 - BURN SOME ESSENTIAL OILS
Nowadays you can get some really lovely diffusers to create beautiful scents throughout your workplace. Opt for calming oils such as lavender, mandarin and frankincense. They are very relaxing, create a lovely scent and lavender has anti viral properties too. I love my Tsui Apothecary Essential oils which can be purchased via my site here
5 - GO FOR A 5 MINUTE POWER WALK
Maybe just before or just after your lunch, get a quick round the block, five minute walk in. Get some oxygen and clear your mind a bit.
6 - BURN OFF THE STRESS ENERGY
My wonderful friend and yoga teacher Sarah Lawrence from The Yoga Family has taught me so much about anxiety. When we feel like we are getting a little overwhelmed, or worse, feel a panic attack coming on, if controlling your breathing doesn't help, get up and do 20 star jumps! Increase your cardio and burn off the stress energy that you might have built up. Yes, it sounds crazy but it works!
7 - EAT MINDFULLY
Just put your phone away while you're eating. Yes it's nice to catch up on what's going on in the world but at the moment, there's so much panic and stress, sometimes it's best not to look at it. Instead, eat your food mindfully, concentrating on each bite and chew. How does it taste? What's the texture like? Am I full yet? etc. You'll probably find that you eat less.
8 - DON'T BUY INTO THE HYPE
I've actually done my best to stay living under a rock for the last few weeks (it's a lot harder than you think!). Avoid the mass hysteria from the online news sites and instead maybe read a book or concentrate on something a little more calming. Trust me, if there's something you need to know about, you will know about it!
9 - CHOOSE FOODS THAT CALM
Avoid all the high processed food if you can and instead focus on foods that are good for your body and health. Nuts, salmon, avocados, dark chocolate and oatmeal are great sources. Cut back on the caffeine and sugars that can increase your anxiety levels and also suppress your immune system!
10 -CHANGE YOUR THOUGHT PATTERNS
When we're in a anxiety thought pattern, we can think some seriously dark thoughts. It's actually quite normal when in a 'fight or flight' mode, but even so, it's not always a nice place to be inside your head. What I have started to do, is when an ugly thought comes into my head, I think about three things that I'm grateful for. It stops the dark thoughts in my head and makes me think about happy things instead and then I realise how lucky I am. I mean, even if you're reading this on your smartphone, you're pretty lucky just to have the ability to do that right!?!?!
11 - DO ONE THING A DAY THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY (AT LEAST)
We all need some me time... all of us! Whether it be having a facial (obvs my favourite!) taking a bath at night, reading a book, going for a walk or going to a yoga class, it's important that we do some self-healing each day. We need that time for us to regenerate and recuperate after a busy day.
12 - SUPPLEMENT WHATS MISSING
Sometimes we can feel stress and anxiety when our vitamin levels are not quite right. For example, low levels of vitamin D can cause low mood and depression. Why not visit a nutritionist and get your vitamin levels checked incase you're lacking in one or two.... or three or four!
13 - FRESHEN UP WITH A 5 MINUTE FACE MASK
I love my Exfoliating Face Mask and it can be done in the space of just five minutes! When your skin looks good you can feel good too, so why not give it a go. You can get yours here.
14 - REMEMBER YOU'RE IN CONTROL
Finally, before you react to a situation, try and remember that you're in charge. Is this really worth stressing over? If I read this news article will it help my life and make me feel better? If not, then maybe think again before you even read it, let alone get stressed about it.
I really hope this helps you a bit over the next few months of chaos. I hope we can all do our best to stay well, calm and healthy.
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline x
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