| Feeling stressed, but don't have much time to relax? | | | | bath or a scent diffuser and let the soothing begin. |
| Why not try some quick relaxation strategies! Below | | | | For more information on Aromatherapy, check out |
| you'll find a few simple, soothing ideas to help you | | | | "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and |
| relax quickly and promote inner peace and harmony | | | | Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood. |
| in no time. | | | | (5) Create a Gratitude Journal - Journaling can be a |
| (1) Breathe Deeply - When stressed, we take | | | | great stress management tool. To create a Gratitude |
| shallow, rapid breaths which trigger the body's stress | | | | Journal, choose a journal that you like and every |
| response. Taking even one or two slow, deep | | | | evening write down five things for which you are |
| breaths will help to activate your body's relaxation | | | | grateful. This creates a positive focus and helps you |
| response. When practicing deep breathing, be sure to | | | | to realize all that you have to be thankful for. |
| expand your belly before your chest as you breathe | | | | (6) Choose a Cue - Cue-controlled or "anchor" |
| in slowly through your nose and then slowly exhale | | | | relaxation is about choosing a sign in your daily |
| out through your mouth. | | | | environment to serve as a signal to yourself to relax. |
| (2) Take Time Out for Tea - Tea is known for its | | | | This can be anything from a sticker you place on |
| healing properties and the warmth of hot tea is very | | | | your phone at work to a piece of artwork you see |
| soothing to the body. When we drink it, we take | | | | frequently. When you see your cue, simply take a |
| time to slow down and become mindful. Mindfulness, | | | | couple of deep, calming breaths and do a quick body |
| living fully in the present moment without regretting | | | | scan. If you notice that you are holding tension |
| the past or worrying about the future, is a great | | | | anywhere (for example, your shoulders), consciously |
| stress reliever. For an added boost try Chamomile | | | | notice the tension as you inhale through your nose |
| tea which is known for its calming effects. | | | | and release the tension as you exhale through your |
| (3) Slip Into a Warm Bath - The warmth of the bath | | | | mouth. |
| soothes the body and its solitude gives us an | | | | (7) Let Nature Nurture - Why not try a walking |
| opportunity to relax and go within. Make your bath | | | | meditation on your lunch hour or anytime you need a |
| extra special with candlelight and relaxing music such | | | | break? On your walk, be sure to really notice all of |
| as Enya's Shepherd Moons CD. Adding Epsom Salt, | | | | the sights, sounds and smells around you. Taking |
| which contains magnesium, will also calm your | | | | note of nature's amazing beauty and abundance |
| nervous system and help you sleep. | | | | promotes serenity and will help make any problems |
| (4) Discover Aromatherapy - The calming effects of | | | | you are facing seem smaller and less severe. |
| herbal Lavender have been prized for centuries. Add | | | | Always remember, the purpose of life is joy! |
| just a couple drops of Lavender essential oil to your | | | | |