Tag Archives: unwind

Aug8

My Big Weekend In

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My Big Weekend In

Howdy! Last week was freaking awesome because my family went on a little getaway to Idlewild Park in Pennsylvania. We had so much fun but it was total anarchy being with five kids under six years old and by the time we got home, I was SO exhausted lol. Kudos to all parents because I truly don’t know how you do it! I returned to work after our mini vaca and in this particular case, your girl was working for the weekend. Johnny had to work overtime all weekend to complete inventory and that meant that the apartment was ALL mine. I seriously can’t recall a time when I had the apartment to myself – probably before Johnny moved in with me lol. As this is something that literally never happens, I took full advantage of it…

By doing nothing! All I wanted to do was sit, relax, watch my shows, play my games, and talk to my blogging bestie and I did so in spades. After the cacophony of an amusement park, I needed peace and quiet time to unwind and recharge my batteries for this week. I truly became one with my couch, which means that I achieved everything I wanted to do. Although I missed Johnny terribly, I’d be a liar if I said it wasn’t absolutely delicious to put America’s Next Top Model on the boob tube without any complaints. And, if the bunnies did mind, they weren’t saying anything about it. 😀

While the novelty of an ANTM marathon sans Johnny’s commentary was a thrill, the most exciting part of my weekend was finally beating Paper Mario Sticker Star. I am an avid fan of the Paper Mario games and have all of them minus Sticker Star for the 3DS. At a buy/sell/trade store a few weeks ago, I found it for only twenty dollars and it was as good as mine. I had this game FOREVER ago and never beat it. I also have no idea what happened to it and I was so happy to have the completed Paper Mario collection. It was just as fun as I remembered it being and is easily one of my favorites!

With Tyra Banks droning on about smizeing in the background, I played and played and played Paper Mario some more. I haven’t had a good video game session in a long while and I just couldn’t stop myself! In fact, the last time I did “game” was the last time I was playing a Paper Mario game forever ago lol. When I had Sticker Star back in the day, I couldn’t win the final Bowser battle to save my own life. It proved to be just as difficult as I remembered it being and I almost gave up. However, when I was texting with my big bro about it, he encouraged me to keep on trying and that I would be able to do it. Armed with his support, I gave it another go and it’s safe to say I made Bowser my bitch and victory was oh so sweet!

Sometimes you just need to do nothing and that is okay. This is your sign to take it easy when you feel like you need it – as a little treat from me! ❤

What is your favorite video game? Do you have a favorite Mario game? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct28

So Simple Self Care

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So Simple Self Care

Hello!! Saying that we live in a high stress world is an understatement and it can be hard to shake off problems that are anxiety provoking. I especially find this to be true for myself. I have an extremely demanding schedule, a lot of family responsibilities, and what often feels like minimal to no time for myself. When I do manage to squeeze in “me time”, I take it very seriously because it’s something that doesn’t happen frequently. That is my time to fully dive into self care mode and even though the way I choose to spend that time is simple, I always end up feeling refreshed afterwards:

Put Down The Phone:

My first order of business when it comes to self care is to put my phone somewhere I won’t see it. Out of sight, out of mind. As the social media manager for one of Ohio’s most prominent local celebrities, I am on my phone constantly and it always feels good to take a much needed break from it. Then, I can focus my attention completely on something else instead – even if it’s only watching a quick episode of a comfort show or polishing off a chapter in a book.

This is a method that I employ not just during speedy self care sessions but also when I am officially off the clock for the day. I think it is so easy to fall into the trap of being accessible whenever your phone pings simply because it’s right there. This can be incredibly draining and my rule of thumb is to save responses for times that aren’t dedicated to relaxing. Of course, emergencies are a different situation but you get the point.

Tai Chi:

I recently started doing Tai Chi with my mom and I absolutely LOVE it. It’s a gentle workout, yes, but the gentle movements are so effective. I can literally feel my body unlocking as we flow through the routine together and it’s almost like a mini massage. I spend countless hours at my computer every day and I can definitely tell that I feel less stiff since incorporating Tai Chi into my schedule. In fact, now when I have an all day computer day, I pencil in a few Tai Chi blocks for when I start feeling crampy. It has made a world of difference!

Breakfast:

One change that I have added in the past few months is making breakfast every day. I used to be one of those people who NEVER would eat breakfast and now that it is a regular part of my routine, I genuinely don’t know why I didn’t start this earlier. After a few hours of work, I’ll prepare my breakfast once I get hungry and eat while watching an episode of Degrassi. I have found that I feel way less sluggish throughout the day, I don’t feel ravenous when it’s time for lunch or dinner, and have more motivation to take on the day as best as I can. I guess breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. 🙂

Bunny Cuddles:

I am the proudest bunny mom to my sweet Melvin and Penelope and they truly are my instant serotonin boosters. Seriously, all I have to do is look at them and it automatically makes me smile from ear to ear. The power of the love between pets and the owners knows no bounds and I often spend my mini self care breaks with the buns. I’ll sit on the floor and give them ALL of the pets and cuddles that they will allow. After a few minutes, they have typically had their fill of affection and that’s fine. I always return back to my computer chair with the warm fuzzies and actual fuzzies – the bunnies shed like crazy!

While I value my more extravagant forms of self care like a trip to the hair or nail salon, they don’t happen all of the time. These mini self care breaks throughout the work day are small and simple enough that I can still accomplish everything I need and feel more refreshed while doing so!

What do you do for self care? How do you like to unwind after work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep17

R&R Weekend

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R&R Weekend

Hello!! This past week was an incredibly busy one for yours truly. On top of my normal work schedule, I also worked two events for my boss, Tim. One to do a presentation for college students at Kent State University and another at the end of summer Misnyland picnic. Both were really fun to attend, but I was exhausted by the time I arrived home on Friday. All of my plans for cooking, cleaning, and weekend activities went out the window once I became one with my couch!

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Hanging with my plushie friend!

After a whirlwind picnic on Friday the 13th, Johnny and I deemed it necessary to have a weekend of R&R. And, in honor of said Friday the 13th, scary movies were in order! Normally, I like to do at least one activity with Johnny during the weekend and as nice as that is, it was so much nicer to laze about with my main squeeze. The only agenda being to actually agree on what horror movies to watch lol. I much prefer an atmospheric psychological thriller and movies to the likes of Saw. Johnny, on the other hand, loves ridiculous slashers like Scream and basically any B-list scary flick that has ever been made. Needless to say, we have very different tastes!

To satisfy both of our preferred horror, we compromised. As we should, we watched a Friday the 13th on the thirteenth. Then on Saturday we watched my pick followed by his. I chose an Australian movie called Run Rabbit Run which was pretty good. It was certainly a slow burn of a film and had some creepy vibes. Was it pure horror? Not especially, but I’m glad we watched it even though I wouldn’t watch it again. After the dreary aesthetic of Run Rabbit Run, we were definitely in the mood for something more fast paced, which brought us to Johnny’s selection…

As we browsed through our options on Netflix, one movie caught both of our eyes. It was called Thanksgiving. Because neither of us have ever seen a scary movie revolving around the holiday, Johnny wanted to give it a go. Even though I rolled my eyes about it, I’ve got to say – Thanksgiving was a total hoot. Long story short, a killer seeks revenge after a Black Friday massacre at one of the local superstores. It was goofy, it was cheesy, but it had the craziest kills that kept us jumping the entire time. We got scared, we had a ton of laughs, and I think Johnny’s pick blew mine out of the water.

As soon as September hit, Johnny and I shifted into spooky season mode. It is our tradition around this time of year to squeeze in as many scary movies as we can and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

What is your favorite scary movie? Have you seen anything in theaters recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec28

Hobbies That Are Guaranteed To Beat Stress

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Hobbies That Are Guaranteed To Beat Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be doing things to help to let it go. We need to have healthy methods for coping with anxiety and stress. One of the best ways to do this is to have a hobby. Whether you are crafting with friends or you are choosing to go to the movies, you need a hobby that’s going to make you feel happy. Let’s take a look at the hobbies that are guaranteed to beat your stress for a healthier lifestyle:

Start a collection:

One of the hobbies, as old as time itself, is collecting. When most people think of a collection, they envision someone collecting expensive antiques. But it doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, you could start a very simple collection, especially if you love to travel. You could pick up a key ring at every city you visit and eventually build up a whole world’s worth of key rings on a pegboard. It doesn’t matter what you choose to collect but pick something that you’re passionate and excited about.

Do more with music:

Whether you’re playing an instrument or just listening to more music, it is one of the best hobbies that is going to guarantee that your stress will be beaten. You can pop on some noise canceling headphones and let your favorite songs play through them or you could decide to start some lessons so that you can learn how to play an instrument. There is plenty of music in the world that’s just waiting for you to pay attention to it!

Work on puzzles:

An amazing way to unwind is to start puzzling. Even if you haven’t put together a puzzle in years, you’ll find that working through the challenge of one can be incredibly relaxing. Playing by yourself is a good way to enjoy some solo downtime, but you can grab a friend to do the puzzle with you and still have just as much fun. The best part is, there are so many beautiful puzzles out there and when you’re done, you can either frame them for your house or box them back up again to enjoy another time.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Start baking:

Whether you like to bake cakes or biscuits, it doesn’t really matter. Baking is an amazing way for you to beat your stress. You’ll be able to have easy access to delicious treats, but you’ll be able to watch the pile of ingredients become something beautiful. You can decide to sell them and make a business out of it, or you can just continue to bake at home for your own fun.

Work with your hands:

Sometimes, putting your hands to work can make a massive difference. Whether you are rebuilding a car or you are crafting, you’ll find that your mental health improves when you can put your mind and concentration into something amazing. Building something from the ground up is a huge achievement and it helps to promote patience at the same time!

Learn a new language:

It doesn’t matter whether you only know one language right now, you can still Learn a new language. Everybody has the capacity to learn something new. So start with the basic vocabulary and take your time to understand the history and the culture behind each language you choose to learn.

Not only is having a hobby great fun, but it is a wonderful stress reliever. Try any of the above and shake that stress away!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul28

Breathwork For Relaxation

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Breathwork For Relaxation

Those in high-stress careers or those who have a lot on their plate probably catch themselves taking a deep breath once in a while. That single deep breath can work wonders, but to keep that little bit of peace and clarity going, learning some breathwork is going to be beneficial. Try the following when you need to chill out:

Why do breathwork?

Breathwork has been shown to stop the body’s stress response as it is happening and to reduce stress levels overall. There are a few accompaniments to breathwork, like ice baths, therapy, meditation, and other stress and trauma management. Breathwork dates back to 2700 BCE and is said to help calm the body, mind, and find some balance. This can be a particularly useful tool when you feel overwhelmed and are prone to anxiety attacks. You could consider using an anxiety tracker app to log anything that is a potential trigger to help identify these overwhelming feelings of stress and anxiety. You can also log anything that helps ground you, such as doing these breathwork techniques.

Can anyone do breathwork?

For the more simple breathwork, it is easy to get started, but it’s a good idea to watch a YouTube video to make sure you have the method correctly in your mind. There are some forms of breathwork that will need to be led by an expert instructor as they have a bigger impact on the body, and those are Holotropic Breathwork and Breath of Fire.

Whistling Lips:

To slow your breathing down even more than just regular box breathing, you can make use of this technique. Just like a regular deep breath, breathe in through your nose, hold it for a moment, pour your lips into the shape you’d use for whistling, and exhale as slowly as possible through that shape. You’re not forcing yourself to whistle, though; instead, just let the air pass through. You’ll need to focus on keeping your lips pursed, so there is a lot of mindfulness in this method. Run this through five times, and you’ll feel much calmer at the end of it.

Lion’s Breath:

The first few times you do this, you might feel a little silly – but it works wonders for relieving tension in your face and chest, and many people do it for a little energizing. Get comfortable, take a deep breath through your nose, and be sure to open up your eyes as wide as possible. Open your mouth, stick out your tongue as far as it will go down towards your chin, and let the breath out with an ‘ahhhhh’ or ‘haaaaa’ sound. As a fun addition, you usually put your eyes focusing on the tip of your nose or up to between your eyebrows. Doing three rounds of this should have you feeling nice and relaxed.

478:

This type of breathwork is something that many people are familiar with, as it is often recommended to those with anxiety and high stress. Focusing on breathing pulls the mind away from the source of the issue, and the breath itself helps to slow the heart rate down to a healthy speed. For the 478 method, you inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and slowly release the breath for 8 seconds. The hard work here comes from the controlled exhale, as it encourages the body to let go of stress.

For those who know that their stress level is high and needs work, here are some other things that can help: Reduce Your Stress With These Hobbies | lifewithlilred.

Featured Image By: Katie Bush on Unsplash

Jan7

Add Luxury To Your Home With These Improvements

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Add Luxury To Your Home With These Improvements

Home is where we spend most of the time in our lives and at some point, you have to think about how much you enjoy that time. There’s nothing wrong with loving your home or wanting more from your home – which is why people put a lot of money into renovations and remodels. It’s important to consider how much your home impacts how you feel on a daily basis. You want the place you spend the majority of your life to be a happy place, something that makes you proud, and somewhere you can relax and unwind. Making small improvements to add luxurious touches to your home will freshen your place up as well as increase your home’s value. Let’s look at a few ways to begin this process:

Start with the bathroom:

If there’s one place in your home that should offer a lot of comfort, it’s your bathroom. Newly done bathrooms have a lot fewer issues with dampness and leakage, so it’s one less thing to worry about. Luxury is important everywhere, but your bathroom is the first place you should start – unless your bedroom is in dire need of an update. Take a look into bathroom, kitchen, and home remodeling services if you want to learn a bit more about what you can do. Great places to start include tile flooring, updated fixtures, and fresh paint.

Your sleeping arrangement:

Your bedroom is another place that needs heavy focus because life is going to be a daily struggle if you aren’t sleeping well. Even if you’re used to it, a lack of sleep can contribute to heightened stress and multiple health conditions. Invest in a high-quality mattress and bed to make sure you’re getting the full amount of sleep you need each night. It might not seem like it, but a new bed alone can make a huge difference. You’ll be looking forward to sleeping each and every night – the only problem you’ll have is getting out of bed in the morning!

Repainting:

The paint you choose for your home can do a lot for the overall atmosphere that you want to create in each room. Opt for soft tones in rooms that are meant for relaxation and bright shades for rooms to entertain like the kitchen and living room. Old coats of paint aren’t going to leave your home feeling luxurious, and while comfort doesn’t come into it here – how you view your home does affect how you feel while you’re there.

Spend the remaining months of winter in a cocoon of comfort and all of the lux vibes with the simple improvements above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan2

Prioritizing Self Care As A Parent

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Prioritizing Self Care As A Parent

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Despite the hard work that comes with parenting, there are still numerous amazing things to being a parent. From providing children with love and guidance to helping them build strong relationships, these benefits far outweigh any of the struggles associated with parenthood.

Becoming a parent brings many excellent benefits into one’s life – from teaching valuable life lessons to strengthening bonds between family members and improving mental health along the way! With so many practical advantages linked to parenthood, it is no wonder why so many people choose it as a path in life! However, the responsibilities can be overwhelming and complex. As a result, taking care of yourself should also be a priority. Here are a few areas you should focus on for self care as a parent:

Proper Sleep:

When it comes to sleep, parents are often at a disadvantage. Studies have found that parents get an average of two hours less sleep than non-parents. Factors such as having to stay up late, tending to the needs of their children, dealing with stress and worries, or having more work related responsibilities are common reasons parents may lack adequate rest.

Not getting enough sleep can be detrimental both mentally and physically. Parents that don’t get enough rest may feel more stressed out, have difficulty concentrating, and be more prone to making mistakes. Physically, lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases.

Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to prioritize their sleeping habits. To begin with, setting a regular bedtime is a great way for parents to get enough restful sleep each night. Additionally, setting aside time for self care activities during the day, such as exercising or reading, can help reduce stress levels and make it easier to unwind when bedtime comes around. Finally, avoiding screens before sleep is important because blue light can suppress melatonin production, which makes it harder for people to fall asleep.

Skincare:

Regarding skin care, lack of sleep can be a significant issue for parents. Studies have found that not getting enough rest can lead to the appearance of dark circles, eye bags, and other skin issues. Even short-term sleep deprivation can cause skin problems such as acne and eczema flare-ups due to higher levels of cortisol and stress hormones in the body. Chronic sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of premature aging and wrinkles and exacerbate existing skin conditions like psoriasis or rosacea.

Because lack of sleep is a common issue among parents, having a proper skin care routine is essential for maintaining healthy skin. The first step is establishing a consistent sleeping schedule – ensuring you get enough restful hours each night will help you look fresh and reduce any potential damage from fatigue. It’s also important to stay hydrated during the day – even mild dehydration can cause your skin to appear dry and wrinkled, so make sure you drink plenty of water. You can also utilize skincare products to help you take care of your skin. The Pixi Detoxifeye patches help reduce puffiness and dark circles, for example. And, as always, protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays using SPF moisturizers or sunscreen outdoors.

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Mental Break:

Lastly, taking a mental break is also essential for any parent. Parenting can be taxing and overwhelming, so it’s important to give yourself time to relax and decompress from the stress of daily life. One way to do this is by engaging in activities that make you feel relaxed or centered. Examples include listening to calming music, walking in nature, or doing yoga or mindfulness exercises. Taking up hobbies like crafting or painting can also provide an enjoyable distraction from parenting duties. Additionally, spending quality time with friends and family members who understand your situation can help lift your spirits and provide emotional support during difficult times.

Hobbies are a great way to relax but sometimes you just need to veg out with a good movie or TV series. Grab your favorite snacks, enjoy some THCa Concentrates & Extracts if you partake, and sink into your couch to be entertained. Watching your favorite things with nothing on the agenda can be a welcome and most refreshing reprieve. However you like to relax, make sure you make the time for it to avoid burnout.

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. From talking to a therapist about your mental health to joining a support group for parents, many resources can help you cope with parenting challenges. Taking care of your needs and finding healthy ways to manage stress will help you provide the best care for your family.

Parents need self care too! Focus on what you can incorporate into your busy day and go from there to help keep your stress down and enjoy your family even more. ❤

Sep5

Relaxing Gifts For Your Special Guy

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Relaxing Gifts For Your Special Guy

Trying to find the perfect gift for the man in your life can be tricky. If he seems to have everything, what do you give him? How about something that will help him relax and destress? In this guide to relaxation for men, exploring various techniques that he can use to melt away the stress of everyday life will be discussed. Let’s get to it:

Massage Therapy:

Massage therapy is one of the most popular methods of relaxation for men. It is a great way to relieve stress and tension from the body and improve circulation. Many different types of massage therapies are available, so be sure to research to find the perfect one for him.

Swedish massage is a very common type of massage that uses long, flowing strokes to help relax the body. Deep tissue massage is another popular option that focuses on working out knots and other areas of muscle tension. Sports massages can help reduce soreness and inflammation from exercise if your man enjoys being active. Once you determine the best type of massage for your partner, simply enter a search for “Massage Near me in Austin, TX” (or your local area) to book an appointment for a fantastically relaxing gift.

While massages are fantastic, they might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If that is the case with your SO, why not bring the spa to your home? A massage chair could be an amazing gift for the both of you! Can you imagine sinking into one of these Relax for Life Massage Chairs after a long day at work? Rather than booking appointments with a massage therapist, you will be able to ease your tension from the comfort of your living room.

Aromatherapy:

Aromatherapy is another great way to help your man relax. Many different essential oils can be used for relaxation, each with its unique benefits. Lavender oil is a popular choice for its calming and soothing properties. Peppermint oil is also a good option as it can help to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension. You can also add a few drops of oil to his bathtub or massage him with an aromatherapy infused lotion.

That memorable getaway:

Sometimes, the best way to help your man relax is to get away from it all. Plan a weekend trip or more extended vacation at a spa or resort. This will allow him to unwind and forget all of his stressors. If you are on a budget, there are many ways to recreate the spa experience at home. First, run him a bath with some soothing music. You can also make your own sugar scrub using ingredients like coconut oil and essential oils. Then, give him a nice massage with this scrub to help exfoliate his skin and relieve muscle tension.

Special gifts:

If you want to go above and beyond, consider giving him a small gift that he can use while relaxing. This could be anything from a new robe to a nice pair of slippers. Maybe even a box of cigars? First, however, it’s important to understand the cigar shapes and sizes to fit with that remarkable man in your life and make it a gift he will never forget.

When it comes to relaxation, it’s important to remember that every man is different. What works for one guy might not work for another. The key is to find what works best for the man in your life and make sure he takes the time to relax regularly.

Time out with the family:

Last but not least, one of the best ways to help your man relax is to spend time with the people he loves. Whether this means family dinners, game nights, or simply hanging out at home, quality time with loved ones is sure to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In addition, perhaps your man is a camper; take the family out for a weekend away and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life to truly relax.

If your SO is feeling stressed, treat him to any of the above and watch as the tension melts away!

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Dec19

New Silver & Holographic Lavender Nails

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New Silver & Holographic Lavender Nails

Hello! These past few weeks of work have been really difficult so I have been absolutely dying to get my nails done at Elysian Nails. As soon as I am in the chair of my nail tech or hair stylist, I can instantly feel my stress melt away as the pampering and wonderful conversation commences. As a total material girl, shopping or time at the salon is basically my cure all for everything! Hey, if it’s not broken don’t fix it, right? 😀

As you all know, I am not a huge fan of themed holiday nails but I wanted to do something wintry to commemorate the holiday season. Instead, I ended up with intergalactic nails that remind me of that old Disney Channel movie, Zenon: Z3 lol. Check it out:

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As you can see, my new nails definitely don’t fit the bill for holiday themed at all but I still love them just the same! Prior to coming to Elysian, I had silver on my mind because it makes me think of freshly fallen snow. Then, at the nail polish wall, I saw the holographic lavender and said “why not?” Reminiscent of winter? No. Still fabulous? For sure!

As always, my nail tech did an amazing job on my nails and shaped them to perfection as well as made the nail I busted a weekend ago good as new. Girl talking and laughing for an hour and a half also helped to cheer me up and I left the salon feeling like a million bucks – as per ushie.

Elysian Nails is my happy place, safe haven, and shelter from the storm. Just like the Shear Shop and TJMaxx, it’s a place where the world makes sense lol. I am so thankful to the wonderful staff for their friendship, care, and treating everyone who comes in like royalty. I hope that they have the happiest of holidays and can’t wait to come back in the new year! ❤

What is your favorite Disney Channel movie (Life Size is mine!)? Where is your happy place? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec15

Stress Relievers To Help You Unwind

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Stress Relievers To Help You Unwind

Stress is a part of life and even though you cannot always control your circumstances, you can easily control how you respond to a situation. If you want to find out more, then simply take a look below:

Meditate:

Meditation will offer you a lot of short-term stress relief. You may even find that it helps you to develop your own mantra as well. you can repeat this in your mind as you take slow and deep breaths. You might also want to take a few minutes to practice mindfulness too. This will help you to be in the present moment. All you have to do is pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. If you can make yourself focused on what is happening right now, then you won’t be as likely to focus on things that have already happened.

There are countless apps and classes that can guide you through meditation routines and it is up to you to find the best fit. Should you find comfort in a group setting, take the time to research some meditation studios in the area. You might find that additional services like reiki and aromatherapy are offered as well to deepen your relaxation and healing journey. Simply enter a search for “reiki healing near you” to find a well reviewed studio to refresh and guide you. It could be just what you need to melt that stress away.

Muscle Relaxation:

Progressive muscle relaxation often involves trying to relax all of the muscles in your body. You need to do this group by group and take some deep breaths too. It is a good idea to start with your head and work your way down to your toes. If you can practice, then you will be able to learn how to recognize tightness in your muscles and you can also help yourself to relax more easily. Another excellent way to soothe aching muscles is with some heat. By entering a search for “steam rooms to book near me“, you can find a local sauna to visit to recharge and loosen those muscles in.

Take a Walk:

Exercise is a great stress reliever and it can work in a matter of minutes. Taking a walk gives you the chance to change your scenery and it also helps to put you in a better frame of mind. This will give you all of the benefits that you get with exercise too!

Give Someone a Hug:

Physical touch can help you to relieve your stress more than you realize. When you hug someone, you will release oxytocin, and this is known as the “cuddle hormone”. This is associated with happiness, and it can also go a long way when it comes to relieving stress too. Another great thing about this hormone is that it helps to reduce your blood pressure. It’s a win/win. 😀

Aromatherapy:

Aromatherapy offers a lot of major benefits when it comes to stress relief. It helps you to feel more relaxed and it also helps you to feel like you are in the current moment more as well. Research is showing time and time again that scents can alter your brain wave activity and they can also boost the amount of feel-good hormones in the body. Light your favorite scented candle to see what we mean!

Create some Art:

Coloring is a fantastic stress reliever and research has shown consistently that it can offer you a meditative effect. Those who color using complex patterns often report way less stress during the day. Not to mention how much fun it is!

Balanced Diet:

A bad diet can make you far more reactive to stress. Emotional eating with high fat and high sugar food can give you a sense of relief but it can lead to you experiencing even more stress in the future. Refined carbohydrates such as cookies or potato chips can cause your blood sugar to spike. When this happens, you will then experience a sugar crash, and this can make you way more likely to experience stress and anxiety.

Make Time for Leisure:

It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy making your own quilts or whether you love to play basketball because this is the key to helping you unwind. If you love watching sports, why not try and play one? You can also lookup the best NBA odds if you live for live games.

Positive Self-Talk:

The way that you talk to yourself does matter. That little voice at the back of your head has a far bigger impact than you realize, and you may even find that it causes you more stress. Talk to yourself in a realistic way and focus on being compassionate too. Positive self-talk will help you to develop a much healthier outlook on your life and to manage your emotions better.

The past year and change has been grueling, to say the least. Use the tips above for a mentally stronger and healthier you in the new year!

Featured Image By: Pexels