ecoPharmacist

Instant Stress Busters

The following are examples of instant stress busters, excerpted from Natural Superwoman, by Rosamond Richardson. In a world of go, go, go, these are great tips to remember. They can bring relief to mental, physical and emotional stresses. As always, remember to breathe when stress is present.

 

Slow down and take your time. Talk, walk or drive at a slower pace.

 

Call a friend for a long chat.

 

Escape mentally – read a book, watch a movie or be a sports spectator.

 

Keep a notebook on you and make lists: being organized is less stressful.

 

Smile. It relaxes the major facial muscles and releases serotonin from the brain and makes you fell better.

 

Stop thinking ‘must’ ‘should’ and ‘ought’ for at least an hour.

 

Sweat out your stress. Take some vigorous exercise class, or dance til you drop.

 

Write a list of all the essential things you have to do – then stick it on the fridge and leave it until tomorrow.

 

Look at some wonderful paintings, or paint one yourself.

 

Change into comfortable clothes.

 

Help someone. Be really nice to someone.

 

Get a massage or a pedicure.

 

Write a rage letter and don’t send it.

 

Find a safe place to cry. Crying restores the chemical balance of the body.

 

Drop perfectionism: it stresses you out.

 

Pet the dog or cat.

 

Shut the door on the world at least once a day to see you own needs: do some yoga or meditation.

 

Lie down with a hot wet flannel over your face.

 

Go away for a weekend.

 

Lie in a hot tub and add soothing essential oils to the water. Light a candle and dim the lights and breathe.

 

Turn off your mobile phone.

 

Sometimes doing nothing is the key to stress.

 

Express yourself: don’t maintain the stiff upper lip. And don;t lose your sense of humor.

 

Change your routine – have a beautiful bath mid afternoon.

 

Cancel your appointments and have a day off.

 

Collect inspirational quotations and stories and refer to them to lift your spirits.