As a busy mom, you may be all too familiar with the signs of stress from your daily life. Stress can occur over a spectrum of your day to day responsibilities, such as disciplining your children, or juggling tasks at work, managing your finances, or when coping with a challenging relationship. Stress is everywhere. And while a little stress is actually beneficial, too much stress can wear you down and make you sick, both mentally and physically. To help prevent the ill affects of chronic stress, try these age old stress stoppers offered from ivillage.com Each are quick, easy ways to de-stress, recalibrate and revitalize mind, body and spirit.
Breathe
To relieve stress and calm yourself, practice diaphragmatic breathing. Full, deep breathing is a good way to reduce tension, feel relaxed, and reduce stress. Here’s how: Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen and your chest to rise to a count of four, then exhale slowly through your nose to a count of four; repeat this exercise four times. Do this several times throughout the day, every day, to feel less stressed.
Drink Tea
According to WebMD, Studies have found that some teas may help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; encourage weight loss; lower cholesterol; and bring about mental alertness.Research at the University College London also found that drinking black tea on a daily basis can actually help you recover more quickly from the stresses of daily life by lowering levels of stress hormones and inducing greater feelings of relaxation. So, sit back, enjoy a time-out, and sip some soothing brew.
Journal
A recent study at the University at Albany, State University of New York, found that writing about stressful events in your life for just 20 minutes dramatically lowers your perception of your own personal stress. Whether it’s because this gets your worries out of your head, or because it simply stops you from mulling over your problems, the result is the same: less stress, less depression and a better mood.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This process involves tensing and relaxing each muscle group. Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce anxiety and muscle tension and if you have trouble falling asleep, this method may also help with insomnia. To do progressive muscle relaxation, start by scrunching up the muscles in your face, hold 2 or 3 seconds, then slowly relax them to a count of 20 (it takes at least 20 seconds for your muscles to relax completely). Then, while letting the rest of your body relax, shrug your shoulders up, hold and feel the tension in your shoulders, then let them go limp for a slow count of 20. Continue working down your body, tightening and releasing the muscles in your arms (pressing each arm against your body, holding and releasing for 20 seconds), your hands (making tight fists and releasing them for 20 seconds), your back, legs and feet.
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery has many uses. You can use it to promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and reduce other problems related to stress. Sitting in a comfortable position, close your eyes and think about the most peaceful place you have ever been, or image a place you would like to be (the beach; in front of a warm fire). Imagine two or more things you would see, hear, smell and feel in this place. Breathe slowly as you use all of your senses to experience the image fully.
Choose one or more of these soothing de-stressors to incorporate in your day. If you need support reach out to friends and family and let them know how they can help you find balance. Read more about these helpful tips for moms from ivillage
Live in the Bay area and want more options for self care?
Treat yourself to a massage, yoga class, nutritional counseling, energy therapy and much more at Bloom Retreat Inc. in Walnut Creek, a special wellness center just for mom’s. No babysitter? Bring your little ones along! Bloom offers childcare so both you and your children have a special day. Bloom offers on site childcare based on the arts, movement, and social/emotional development for children crawling to six years old. Childcare is available Monday through Friday from 9:30-1:30 and can be purchased by the half hour. Reservations are recommended.
What’s New: I’ll be offering multiple ways to relieve stress and anxiety, alleviate pain and eliminate limiting beliefs to living your best at Bloom on Saturdays!
Contact me at goldenlor@gmail.com for more information on how to get 50% off your first session. Learn more about my services at Bloom
Or attend an Open House Wednesday, October 3rd from 6-9pm to meet me and all the Bloom practitioners!
Yours in Health,
Lori
