Text by Corina Tan
Our lives are constantly filled with daily stress and dealing with things that are beyond our control. Sometimes, taking a break by having a drink or a snack helps to manage stress momentarily, but there are healthier alternatives we can use. These methods can help us unwind, calm our minds and make us feel better in the long run.
Here’s Part 2:
THE POWER OF SCENT
LOEWE Home Scents Oregano candles / Instagram
Scents have long been used for a variety of benefits including calming and relaxation. Lavender for example has been used since ancient Egyptian times. Aromatherapy studies indicate that scents like Lavender slows down the nervous system, improves quality of sleep and relaxation. Applying a few drops of Lavender oil on your wrists will keep you calm throughout the day. A Lavender pillow can also induce relaxing feelings, and a Lavender-filled sachet over your eyes can help bring peaceful, soothing sleep quickly. If sachets and pillows sound too fussy, you can simply dap the oil on your temples, wrists and soles of the feet for the same effect. Another great way is to diffuse essential oils in an ultrasonic diffuser. The vapour with particles of calming oils dispersed in the air offers lasting benefits and can be used at home or even in your workplace. Other oils that also have calming effects are Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Valerian, Vetiver, Chamomile, Rose, Patchouli and Geranium, just to name a few.
READING ALOUD
Research indicates that reading aloud reduces stress and depression, improves memory, enhances understanding of complex text and strengthen emotional bonds between people. If you are a parent, reading aloud to your child also improves parent-child relationships. Reading a good book aloud can help you get into the moment, banishing errant thoughts from your mind and keep you centred. Children’s books are often very fun to read because of the characterisation and voice-overs that you can make to entertain yourself (or your kids), but any book that you are interested in can also do the trick.
DRAW OR COLOUR
Drawing and colouring may seem like a child’s activity but is now trending as a current pastime among adults. Some people get into the art of journaling where they keep a special journal to document and draw food, buildings, people and just about anything they come across during the day. Using adult colouring books may also become a therapeutic way to overcome feelings of anxiety and helps with your focus. The act of drawing and colouring diverts negative energy away from stressful thoughts, and onto the creative task at hand.
DANCE
Movement and music are very powerful antidotes for stress. It helps alleviate pent up emotions and releases feel-good endorphins. Putting music and movement together can create a stress-busting team that helps bring emotions to the forefront where they can be worked on through a good workout in a way that is a whole lot of fun. So, wait no longer, shut the door for some privacy, crank up some tunes and say goodbye to negativity and hello to fun-filled exuberance.
If you’ve missed Part 1, click here.
