Simple tips to ensure a stress-free summer
School is officially out for the summer! Teachers, parents and kids countdown to summer because it is a dedicated time to drain the brain and decompress from the school year. We can’t all just drop everything and head to the Spa when we are stressed out. For some of us, it would be a daily visit. In between regular spa treatments, there are ways to diminish stress and find balance in your daily routine. Identifying the sources of stress in your life and finding ways to avoid them or reduce their impact is crucial to easing stress.
We all know stress is an unavoidable consequence of life. There are some triggers, such as losing a loved one or a job, we hope to avoid. There are others that can be prevented or curbed just by shifting the approach. Running and other cardio-induced exercises, meditation, prayer and yoga are great for many but when others are subjected to such exercises, they can be found boring or actually stress inducing.
The key to reducing stress is to prevent it. Getting enough sleep, a proper diet, avoiding excess caffeine and other stimulants and taking time out to relax may be helpful in this regard. Enjoy your summer and every season, stress-free, with these stress-alleviating suggestions:
Sit back and sip some tea.
Coffee will only get you so far before you have a caffeine crash. While still being hot and comforting, tea (especially herbal) won’t make you dehydrated and shaky. If you’re feeling tired and think you need a caffeine boost, go for cold water (or iced tea) instead. The cold temperatures will wake you up.
Make aromatherapy an essential
part of your routine.
Essential oils are the root of it all, benefiting the mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy and essential oils are quick, easy, effective and relatively cheap little savers from stress. Ask yourself how you are feeling, and there is a blend to cure any situation.
Stretch and breathe.
If you start your day in a stressful way, you’ll probably feel stressed for the rest of the day as well. Start your morning with 5 minutes of silence and ease. Stand up and stretch your body, then bend over and touch the ground. Try to just feel your body and pay attention to your breath. Throughout the day, you will find you are more alert and relaxed. A morning stretch is like breakfast for your body.
Break up the routine.
Break up your routine into smaller, and more achievable segments. Shave your legs one day, paint your nails the next day, wash your hair the day after, etc. This approach also works with keeping your house clean and tidy – just do one little chore every day and you’ll stay on top of everything more easily.
Sit by the glow of a candle.
Candles have a relaxing effect, especially gently scented ones. Some of the scents that can help with our stress and anxiety are very common. Lavender is one of the most well known stress relievers, helping with everything from anxiety to aiding sleep.
Who said there is no rest for the weary?
This one’s important! Rest your mind and your body. Make sure that whenever you plan to rest – really rest. That means that you will have to make a conscious effort to push all stress-related thoughts and worries away.
Don’t forget to reward yourself.
Many see visiting a day spa as an extravagance and something that can be eliminated from the budget when money gets tight. However it is very important to take the proper care of your body and of your mind (especially during stressful times), and visiting a spa for a regular treatment is the perfect way to do this. You may be surprised at some of the physical health benefits you receive from regular visits to the spa.
What activities help you recoup during the summer months? Post your stress-relieving tips below.
2019 Awards
