Ways to reduce stress before the hectic holidays….

Stress is a common part of our life. I like to refer to it as “when life happens”. It is funny how when we were younger, the stress was just different. The kids’ grades, lunches, relationships, and our growing careers tend to take over our brains. Now, as we have become older, we have different kinds of stress; our aging parents, the events of the world and how it may affect our grandkids, and our own health. I know that this year has added a different kind of stress to my life when my husband was diagnosed with kidney cancer. It all worked out, thankfully. And, then I had bladder issues which turned out to be a benign cyst. Which, by the way, I still have. My doctor is planning to schedule surgery in December. Oh, lucky me. Oh well, I used some of my coaching skills on myself and said that is just a circumstance and I get to decide how I want to think about it. Yes, I can choose to think December if a good time or a bad time. It is how I think about it. I am thinking that it is a good time because it will get me in high gear to get my crap (shopping and decorating) done! LOL. It really does work. We get to decide our thoughts about a circumstance, and it will determine how we feel about it. Anyway, let’s talk about ways to help reduce and or eliminate from our bodies.

Stress Relievers that take minutes:

• Deep Breathing:

One of the simplest yet most effective stress-relief techniques is deep breathing. Sit or lie down comfortably, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. I just sit anywhere and do the 5-5-7 breath work. Slowly breath in and count to five, hold your breath and count to five, and breathe out counting to seven. It works. Breathing is my favorite.

• Nature

Walk outside. Breath in the air. Walk to the mailbox. When you are at the grocery store, park away and enjoy the walk in. Drink a cup of tea sitting outside for ten minutes. It does wonders. Even sitting by the window and watching nature and the surroundings can be calming.

• Laughter

Laughter is the best medicine. It can put us in a different mindset completely. Simply watching silly animal videos on your phone will do the trick. If you notice that your body is under stress, give yourself permission to watch a stupid funny movie. It can completely change your mood. This is proven. Laughter is the best medicine. In today's world, we need some extra laughter.

• Music

Music can lift your spirits quickly if you choose the right tunes. Put together you a playlist labeled calming tunes and play when you feel a rise in your stress.

Keep in mind that stress is harmful to our mental and physical health. The more that we practice how to relieve, the healthier we will be. Plus, added bonus is that being calm our bodies digestive system work better therefore we burn more fat! Ya hoo. What a bonus!

Get outside and relax🌼💕