Have you noticed that a lot more people are stressed these day; the election, the economy, exposure to carcinogens, you name it. What can a person do? You can do a number of simple things to combat stress and help stay more calm and focused.
1) Breathe 5-6-7s. I’ve mentioned this before. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 6 seconds, and exhale 7 seconds. Repeat 3 or 4 times. Helps relax you and slows your heart rate.
2) Walk briskly for 10 minutes. This gets fresh oxygen to the brain and moves the blood around the body to bring nourishment to your cells. Should be done daily, whether you’re stressed or not.
3) Sniff your favorite aroma. Research shows certain scents actually can calm you down, like lavender, but just smelling something you like is helpful, such as cinnamon, rosemary, lemonwood and other similar scents. Sit and relax a moment, allowing the scent to envelope you.
There is a great quote by Lena Horne, who said “It’s not the size of the load that breaks your back, but the way you carry it.” The key here, above all else, is breaking the cycle of stress which can overwhelm you, leading to despair, depression, headaches, poor digestion, and any number of other maladies. Don’t be that person. Take better care of yourself. You deserve it.