Meditation is the key to taking your wellness up to the next level. For the health of your entire mind-body-spirit it is essential. It’s an absolute must-do to beat infamous health-buster, stress.
Practicing daily meditation is an excellent way to improve your health and overall well-being. Meditation is great for relieving stress as well as dealing with stress, and all of the issues that come along with it. But, it’s not the only way to beat stress.
The whole point of meditation is to calm the mind, relax our bodies and to regulate our emotions. And, as with most things, there is more than one way achieve this.
So if meditation isn’t really your thing that’s fine, below I’m going to talk about some other things to try below.
Journaling
Spending a small amount of time each day to put your thoughts and feelings down on paper can be really helpful when it comes to stress relief.
You can use your journal to write down things you are grateful each day, to write down thoughts and ideas to help clear your mind or you try the classic ‘dear diary’ style of journaling to clear your mind.
Reading
Sure, you can read to learn or to expand your knowledge on a topic, but that’s not really relaxing, is it? Instead, read for pleasure. Get caught up in the magic and wonder of another world and just relax.
Colouring
Adult colouring books are so hot right now! Books full of interesting pictures with lots of detail and tiny area to colour in. Pictures that can take you hours or even days to complete. Big, intricate images can be overwhelming for some people so you can always opt for something more simple, like kids colouring.
The thing is it doesn’t matter what your coloring, the idea is the same. Repeated movements and focusing on the art you’re creating can help to clear your mind and help you de-stress.
Knitting or crocheting (or other crafts)
Knitting, crocheting or other yarn activities are a great way to de-stress; this is a skill that comes in all levels from beginner to advanced. You can choose to work on something simple like a quick little rectangular scarf, or something more difficult like a detailed sweater. Not only can using these skills relax your mind by focusing on your work, but you can end up warming yourself or others with your creations!
Gentle exercise
Moving your body is another great way to de-stress. Now I’m not talking about a tough gym session here, though many studies show this can help relieve stress also. I mean slower, less intensive exercises such as yoga, walking, stretching or tai chi. All great ways to relax your mind whilst still working on your fitness and balance at the same time.
Sleep in or take a nap
Not surprisingly, one of the most common causes of increased stress hormones is lack of sleep. Not enough sleep and too much stress go hand-in-hand. Getting enough good quality sleep is a great way to break free from stress without having to meditate.
Pamper yourself
Do you love a long hot bath with candles and relaxing music? Maybe a mand/pedi is more your thing. Regardless of what you prefer, spending some time to pamper yourself regularly is great for your mind, body, and spirit.
Spend time in nature
While it would be amazing to drop everything and head away on a relaxing mountain or beach holiday, for most of us it’s just not possible. Lucky for you, you don’t have to go that far. Even just spending a little bit of time with your feet in the sand or relaxing on the grass at your local park can do the trick..
Make time for people and pets you love
Spending time with the people and animals you love is super important. New research is coming out all the time about loneliness and the health issues related to it. Reach out to your family and friends and make some time to hang out, or even better make plans to hang out with them and you pets!
Conclusion
Stressing less is the aim of the game. How you get there, whether it be with meditation or otherwise, is not the most important thing. The most important thing is finding whatever it is that works for YOU.
If you haven’t found that thing yet, try giving journaling, reading, colouring, knitting/crocheting, gentle exercise, sleep, pampering yourself, spending time in nature, or making time for people and pets you love a go.
Have something else that works for you? Let me know what helps you de-stress in the comments below.
Lavender Essential Oil
Instructions to inhale directly
Add up to 6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a handkerchief/tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times per day.
Instruction for steam inhalation
Add 3 – 12 drops of undiluted essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Inhale slowly and deeply for 5 – 10 minutes. Use up to 3 times per day.
Tip: Lavender isn’t the only calming essential oil. You can also use angelica, balsam, benzoin, bitter orange, cedarwood, celery, chamomile, cornmint, cumin, curry, frankincense, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, labdanum, laurel, lemongrass, marjoram, nutmeg, palmarosa, parsley, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rosewood, sage, sandalwood, scotch pine, spearmint, star anise, sweet basil, sweet orange, thyme, or ylang ylang.
References:
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/getting-control-stress
http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-power-and-prevalence-of-loneliness-2017011310977
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/stress/relaxation.htm
https://www.dietvsdisease.org/do-essential-oils-work/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/
http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=aromatherap&lang=eng