So, what is it? Stress is something our minds create out of situations, demands and striving for the elusive "life balance." The good news is, if we create it, then we can control it. So define what stress means in your world. Decide to make it something positive, instead of a nasty term.
For example, if stress to you is a stack of bills, redefine stress to be working out or doing yoga. Once you realize stress is in your hands, you're better equipped to handle it.
Use all of your five senses - sight, sound, smell, touch and taste - to relieve and release stress.
SIGHT: BRING BACK THE OCEAN BREEZE
Make your space visually appealing, whether it be your car, home, or office. Try hanging a picture of a place that calms you or reminds you of a happy time and place. Perhaps your vacation was a dream, or your baby girl's smile melts your heart. Make sure you have visual reminders around you of all that brings a smile to your face!
You can even paint your walls a color that makes you feel great. I can't tell you how many clients have old wallpaper up that they can't stand. Just tear it down! A coat of paint goes a long way!
SOUND: LISTEN UP
With iPods, iTunes and built-in computer speakers, it's simple to have calming sounds playing softly at your desk, in your car or in your home. Find sounds that make you happy! If you've had an especially stressful day, it might not be a good idea to listen to talk radio if the topic is highly stressful, or watch the news right when you arrive home from a long day. You need some decompression time to just relax.
SMELL: SCENT-SATIONAL RELIEF
Ok, so we all know about aromatherapy. Don't underestimate the value of dabbing a little oil on your temples, lighting beautiful smelling candles or wearing your favorite perfume. Vanilla, ginger, lavender, lemon, chamomile, sandalwood, ylang ylang and bergamot are all proven to have anti-stress effects. Find the scents that calm you down and use them in your environment.
TOUCH: THE BLANKIE EFFECT
We don't always have time or money to have a massage, although we know how powerful touch can be for stress! If you have a partner, make sure to hold hands and connect with him/her. And if not, or in addition to that, remember "woobies" work for a reason!
Ever notice how a child clings to his/her teddy bears or favorite blankets, especially when they are tired or teary-eyed? Wearing clothes that feel good, even having comfy, soft-lined slippers under your desk or around the house, makes you feel so much better. (Aching feet cause a lot of stress throughout our bodies.) Keep your sheets and blankets soft, too! Remember, physical stress can lead to mental stress and vice versa. And, if all else fails, find a punching bag and duke it out while strengthening your muscles.
TASTE: THE WAY TO CALM
Don't misinterpret this one--this does not mean stress eating. There are certain flavors, textures, and temperatures of food and beverages that have proven calming effects. There is a huge correlation between stress and digestion, affecting the way we feel in general.
Herbal teas and warm milk can relax you. Also, eating at a relaxed pace in regular intervals is important--don't go hours on end without eating and then shovel in something quick. Caffeine and simple sugar stimulate stress, so if you reach for a candy bar and a cup of coffee, stop yourself. You'll feel worse afterwards.
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Jennifer Tuma-Young is an author, coach, entrepreneur, speaker, wife and mother. She began a career in wellness nine years ago, but knew she had to make major self-transformations before truly pursuing her passion for working with others. Since that time, Jennifer has lost over 125 pounds, overcame the threat of type II diabetes, and is a much healthier person inside and out. In addition to being featured on Capessa and becoming a Capessa blogger, Jennifer's also the founder of Find Balance In You and created the interactive DVD Diets Don't Work.
