In this Post: Learn relaxation techniques to reduce stress. We all have stress, let’s find ways to manage it! Of course our favorite is through massage!
With the holiday’s creeping up faster and faster, it’s easy to lose sight of ourselves and direct our focus on what’s happening around us—gifts, meals, parties, meetings—regardless of what activity is occupying our time, we are constantly being stimulated. It’s times like these when self-care tends to get put on the back burner. During this holiday season, set aside the shopping lists and decorations for a second and give yourself the ultimate gift of self-care. Let’s take a look at a number of ways you can improve your wellbeing by reducing stress and providing yourself the gift of relaxation.
MEDITATION
Give your buzzing mind a break from all the madness through meditation. If you haven’t attempted to meditate before, it’s never too late. Combining concentration with mindfulness results in only positive outcomes. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and either sit in silence with yourself or find a mantra to focus on while you meditate. The most important aspect of meditation is letting yourself release and relax. Whether it’s for 2 minutes or 2 hours, any time allotted in peace and quiet does wonders for the body, mind, and spirit.
DEEP BREATHING
We don’t give enough credit to our breath. It is the source of our being, and when we nurture it and use it to the best of our ability, it can be medicine to our bodies. Diaphragmatic breathing from the depths of the abdomen calms the mind, relaxes the body, and brings tranquility to our overall demeanor. When you find yourself high-strung or irritable, take a few deep breaths and see where it takes you. You will be surprised by the results.
PUMP UP THE JAMS
Listening to soothing music has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. Create a playlist with songs and sounds that make you feel calm and at ease. It could be anything from classical instrumental to thunderstorms and waterfalls. Even something more upbeat can deliver all of the same results! Whether you’re cleaning the house or driving the kiddos to soccer practice, keep the music tuned in.
EXERCISE
Never underestimate the power of movement! Obvious forms of exercise such as yoga and tai chi can significantly reduce stress and help the nervous system slow down. In addition, you can also melt away the stress with even just a short walk around the neighborhood, or parking your car at the back of the parking lot when heading into the grocery store. Small techniques like this promote movement and can improve your daily life to relieve stress and build up endorphins. Delivering oxygen to your muscles creates warmth and in turn gives you more mobility and movement. A happy body gives way to a happy mind!
MINDFULNESS
Staying mindful and aware of yourself and the things around you is a wonderful way to stay appreciative and stress-free. Observe and monitor the content of your consciousness. In every way possible, be kind to yourself. We tend to take life a little too seriously and forget that we are all in this together. Remember that you are not alone in the madness of today’s world. Be mindful of yourself, your neighbor, and the stranger in line at the gas station. Smile often and be kind!
BE PRESENT
Slow down. We get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we forget to appreciate what’s right in front of us. Look around you and admire the little things in life—the roof over your head, the shoes on your feet, the beautiful meal on the table—we have so many things of which we can be grateful. Don’t stress yourself out over the little things. Stay present and be here now.
LAUGH OUT LOUD
They say laughter is the greatest form of medicine, and they aren’t wrong! A good ol’ fashion belly laugh doesn’t just lighten the load mentally, it also has been clinically proven to lower cortisol, which is your bodies stress hormone. It also boosts your endorphins, which in turn improves your mood and wellbeing. Let loose and laugh loudly!
BE GRATEFUL
Keeping a gratitude journal is a wonderful way to remind yourself of the things in life that make the big picture so much better. Putting aside time out of each and every day to take note of what you are thankful for is a powerful way to reduce your stress and replace it with gratitude. Even the little things count!
ESSENTIAL OILS
Including essential oils into your daily routine can drastically improve your quality of life while reducing stress levels. There are a number of health benefits from using essential oils! There several oils that help specifically aid in stress reduction;
Lavender, Lemongrass, Yuzu, Orange, Frankincense, Cinnamon Leaf, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, and Eucalyptus, just to name a few.
There are a number of different ways to introduce essential oils into your system as well; inhaling directly, internal use, rubbing directly on the skin, adding a few drops to a handkerchief or scarf to savor on the go, in the shower, or inserting into a diffuser and receiving the long-lasting benefits of essential oils throughout your home. Whether you’re on the road or cozied up next to the fireplace at home, there is always a time and a place for essential oils.
MASSAGE
We’ve covered all the bases on how you can help yourself, now let us help you! Massage is the ultimate form of relaxation. Relaxing the muscles and relieving them of tension automatically reduces stress. Give yourself the gift of massage this holiday season and let the trained professionals at Kneading Hands help you soothe your body and mind.
Whether you decide to step up your exercise game or delve into mindful meditations to reduce your stress, make sure you are reminding yourself that your wellbeing is important! Self-care should always be at the top of our list, and during these times of giving, we tend to lose sight of ourselves and our personal health. Make this holiday season one to remember and call Kneading Hands today to book an appointment!