When you're frazzled to the point of yanking your hair out in clumps, the last thing you want is some well-meaning friend telling you to relax! But before you bust a blood vessel, try these simple calming techniques that lower cortisol and prevent stress lines.
1. Spritz on some lavender
Having trouble sleeping? Let the soothing scent of lavender take you deep into the Land of Nod. In the Middle Ages, lavender was stuffed into royal pillows to aid restful sleep. Modern research shows it treats insomnia and calms sensitive scalps (try Kama Ayurveda Lavender Patchouli Hair Cleanser) and soothes your mood.
2. Put on those sneakers
Nothing beats cortisol like a good endorphin-boosting run. Pump up those energy levels.
3. Pack in the greens
The magnesium in green leafies fends off the ill-effects of stress—headaches and fatigue. Go ahead, grab a salad.
4. Take a deep breath
Inhale… Exhale…. It's stating the obvious, but deep breathing has a purifying effect on your body. Try this: Close your eyes and breathe slowly. As you inhale, imagine fresh, clean air going into each of your body parts, one breath at a time. Start from the top of your scalp, all the way to down to the soles of your feet.
5. Kick off those shoes
Take a walk in the grass. Barefoot. 'Earthing' helps circulation of Qi or Prana. According to a study in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, the flow of neagative electrons from the earth into your body moderates your heart rate, actively reducing stress and canceling out the harmful effects of positively-charged free radicals.
6. Spring clean
You've heard it often enough: Clutter creates stress. According to a 2010 UCLA study prople who describes their homes as messy or cluttered had the same cortisol pattern as people with Post traumatic Stress Disorder! Get rid of things you don’t need in your life, and you’ll find yourself getting rid of thoughts you don’t need either. Cleaning up is surprisingly theraputic.
7. Sip on camomile
Sit down, and have a cuppa. But leave out the milk and sugar. They add calories, and cut down the antioxidant and anti-anxiety effects of the tea.
8.Get a dose of love
The feeling of love releases dopamine and oxytocin, the feel-good hormones. Meet your girlfriends. Hug. Call your mum. Or, take a weekend break with your partner.
9. Tune into your body clock
Fix a time for lights out, and also for your morning alarm. Regulated sleep helps regulate your circadian rhythm, thereby reducing any stress your body may feel from extraneous events. Try and get in eight hours of sleep or half an hour of meditation which, done correctly, is equivalent to a good night's rest.
10. Stretch
Tadasana (the palm tree pose) helps establish physiological and mental balance. Stand with your feet shoulder-distance apart, interlock your fingers and stretch your arms over your head, palms facing the ceiling. As you stretch, rise up on your toes. Hold for about 20 seconds, gently release.
11. Get fruity
Pull out those oranges. The Vitamin C in oranges has been known to bring down blood pressure and cortisol levels, besides giving a much-needed boost to your immune system.
12. Soak it in
A hot shower relaxes your muscles, and also helps wash away negativity. Use a handful of rock or bath salts; follow it up with an uplifting cleanser, like Philosophy Whipped Peppermint Cream Shower Gel.
13. Do a jig
Yes, what Baz Luhrmann said—Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your own bedroom! Just letting go with the music can really turn your mood around.
14. Get milk
Granny was right. Studies reveal that calcium has anti-anxiety properties and is especially helpful in fighting PMS-related mood swings.
15. Rub your hands
The part of your palm between your thumb and wrist connects to your solar plexus, the seat of stress. Use the thumb of your opposite hand to literally rub your anxiety away. Add a boost with a massage oil like The Body Shop Divine Calm Relaxing Massage Oil.
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