Between working a demanding full-time gig and preparing for Baby P, things have gotten a little stressful and hard to balance. Lots of things to take care of before the baby arrives, maternity plans at work, getting the house organized, taking time for T and Izzy (and friends/family!) and the list goes on and on and on…
But let’s face it…everyone gets stressed out, but stress isn’t always a bad thing—take, for example, preparing for a baby, having a job interview, planning a wedding, etc. But it is so beneficial when you can find ways to manage and relieve stress you do have.
I know I feel so much better (clearer mind, lower blood pressure, less tense in my body, etc.) when I can find ways to reduce my stress and relax. So I put together my top 5 ways to relieve stress to share with you!
1) Pump up the tunes.
I’ll pop pop in my favorite album and jam out. (And I like to sing/dance, etc. whenever possible—whether it’s in the shower or in the car or at home- I’m all over it.) It helps me get in a better mood and take my mind off of things.
2) Get in a good sweat session.
If I have time on my calendar at work, I’ll pop into the fitness center and get in a workout. This is one of the best ways for me to reduce my stress- releasing those endorphins! Before the work week starts, I’ll take a look at my calendar and schedule in time (whether it’s in the AM, during lunch, or after work) to get moving. Regardless of when I do it, I feel so much better!
3) Surround myself with calming scents.
When I feel the stress creeping on, I try to introduce some calming scents to help relax me. I’m a huge fan of Bath & Body Works candles and stockpile them when they are on sale. I love their aromatherapy line of scents and will burn one whenever I get the chance. There’s something so calming about candles…I love it! And I also have been using a lavender pillow mist before I go to sleep. The smell is divine and sweeps me away for a peaceful night’s rest. I’m also really excited to use the lavender hand scrub my Mom made for my baby shower last week. It smells divine!
4) Just breathe (and stretch!)
I’ve never been one for yoga, but since I’ve been pregnant, I’ve been taking prenatal yoga classes and have been trying to be mindful and in tune with my breathing. Taking long, slow inhalations and exhalations does wonders for my stress (and energy) levels. And taking the time to hold stretches and close my eyes is so beneficial. I try to do stretching and deep breathing before bedtime to help me turn off my mind. And I definitely try to sneak in a stretch (and lots of deep breaths) when I am at work and I feel the stress coming on- it’s so simple, but a huge help!
5) Use natural stress relief products
When I’m at work and I can’t get in a workout, light a candle or do yoga in my cubicle, I will reach for a natural stress relief products that will help me de-stress. I just discovered RESCUE products, which come in a variety of forms: pastilles, sleep liquid melts, pearls and more. I grabbed the pastilles and keep them at my desk and pop one from time to time. RESCUE is natural, developed by a doctor and helps you stress less, stay clam and in control. They are available at CVS, Walgreens and Whole Foods to name a few. (*Note: please consult with your doctor if you are pregnant.) If you want to give RESCUE a try yourself, head here and download a BOGO coupon and enter their #StressLess sweepstakes!
What tips/tricks do you have to manage you stress?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
The post My Top 5 Ways to Relieve Stress appeared first on The Style Files.