Even if we have a good handle on managing stress, there will be times that we experience emotional, physical, environmental, or other types of stress that tip us over.
In the course of my work as a neurofeedback practitioner and when I’m teaching people how to use natural products, I find there are many who do not have many tools to manage stress.
All the magazines, books, articles and podcasts about managing stress catch my eye because I want to help people gain more skills to move from stress to peace. One book I read with tremendous resources was Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski PhD and Amelia Nagoski DMA. (No affiliate link to the book) They are highly entertaining and if you like to listen to books, they narrate the Audible version.
I’m happy to share there are many ways we can close the stress cycle, some which I learned from the Nagoski Sisters:
Harness Your Breath
- Close your eyes, take a deep breath in. Expand your lungs. Extend your belly. All to a count of four.
- Hold your breath to a count of seven.
- Exhale slowly to a count of eight.
- Repeat this process 9 times.
- After these 9-deep breaths, the cells in your body will be fully oxygenated, and many people feel more relaxed.
Do something creative
- Even if you don’t consider yourself creative, simply coloring may help you close the stress cycle.
Hug someone
- Hugging someone you love and trust until you relax may help you relax and feel a connection.
Take a walk outside
- Even 10 minutes may help you feel more in control, and time in nature offers additional benefits.
Watch a funny movie or listen to your favorite comedian
- Stream a comedy that you know will make you laugh or find a comedy channel on your music streaming service. Laughter is good for the soul.
Socialize with good people
- Hanging out with positive people who care about you, will listen, and can make you laugh can be helpful.
Aromatherapy
- Grab a favorite essential oil and dab a little under your nose before taking deep breaths to engage your amazing olfactory system – the part of our brain where we store memories and manage emotions. Citrus essential oils are particularly helpful and can help you create new patterns of emotion.
- You can also run essential oils in your diffuser, or place a couple drops in the palm of your hands and breathe in.
- Some of my favorites are doTERRA Breathe, doTERRA Adaptiv, doTERRA Wild Orange, doTERRA Balance, doTERRA Green Mandarin, and doTERRA Frankincense.
Have questions? Drop me a line at doterranatalie@gmail.com
