Written by: Moira Hutchison, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When was the last time you felt relaxed? It is easy for stress to build up without you realizing what is happening. After a while, you might think that feeling irritable, sad, worried, or restless is just your natural state.
Meanwhile, chronic tension affects your body too. It can weaken your immune system and increase your risk for several health issues.
Stressful events will happen, but you CAN control how they affect you. Try these ideas for building your resilience and creating a calmer environment.
Increasing Your Resilience:
1. Slow down.
You will probably accomplish more if you stop rushing around. Reduce your to-do list and keep it at a realistic size. Schedule breaks throughout your day.
2. Breathe deeply.
Your feelings are closely tied to your breath. Lie down on your back and place one hand on your abdomen. Your body will naturally start to breathe more fully from your diaphragm rather than taking shallow breaths from your chest.
3. Laugh it up.
Humor drives away tension. Look for the funny side of difficult situations. Cheer up after a hard day by calling a friend who makes you laugh or watching a funny movie.
4. Eat healthy.
Sticking to a balanced diet will make your body more effective at tolerating stress. Get most of your calories from natural whole foods. Cut down on added sugar and salt. Release excess weight gradually and healthfully.
5. Sleep well.
Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Move your bedtime back an hour each night until you can regularly wake up feeling refreshed. Maintain your new schedule even on holidays and weekends. 6. Work out.
Exercise is a constructive way to handle disturbing news or conflicts at work. Buy resistance bands so you can do strength training movements at home. Attend a yoga class online or go for a walk.
7. Create something.
Creativity is another stress buster. Find a medium that you enjoy. You may want to paint with watercolors or sculpt metal. You may prefer writing poetry or ballroom dancing.
8. Reach out.
Build a network of mutually supportive relationships. Connect with family and friends on a regular basis.
9. Advocate for yourself.
Let others know how they can help you. Ask for what you need tactfully and directly.
Adjusting Your Environment:
1. Clear away clutter.
A tidy home and workspace will reduce your anxiety levels. Get rid of the items you seldom use. Donate it to charity or sell it online. Throw it away or store it out of sight if you are unable to part with it right now.
2. Add scent. Fragrance is invisible but powerful.
Wear your favorite perfume. Practice aromatherapy with soothing essential oils like lavender and chamomile.
3. Play music.
Use sound to create the mood you want. Put together a playlist for different activities. You might relax with soft piano music or show tunes.
4. Enjoy silence.
On the other hand, the lack of sound can also be soothing. Turn off your devices for a designated period each day, including mealtimes and before bed. Order a pair of noise cancelling headphones if you need to block out noisy neighbors or heavy traffic.
5. Decorate naturally.
Green spaces are energizing. Spend more time outdoors and bring nature into your home and office. Grow ferns and herbs. Cover your couch with a floral print throw.
6. Create a refuge.
Design a meditation room or space in your home. If you have trouble meditating, you can use it for reading or relaxation practices.
Dealing with stress is an ongoing process. Take time each day to think about what you can do to make your surroundings more peaceful to protect your health, inner peace, and sense of wellbeing.
For more information and tips on accessing your inner guidance to align with YOUR best success, follow Moira on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, join her Facebook Community, or visit her website!
Moira Hutchison, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine
As an Intuition Cultivator and Mindset Mentor, Moira Hutchison guides her clients to access the inherent power they have available when they ignite their personal trinity of trust, inner awareness, and self-confidence. Moira works with professionals who feel that there is something better in life for them, but they have no idea how to access it. However, they have a yearning to be guided by their intuition and align with their unique calling. What makes her distinctive and different in this work is that she has developed the ability to take complex energetic, and spiritual ideas and interpret them in ways that people find easy to understand, integrate and implement.
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