Two Magical Solutions to Reduce Stress and Thrive

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"Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it." ~Author Unknown

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how we manage and cope with that stress makes all the difference in our physical and mental well-being. I know that there has never been a time when someone said, "Calm down," that I did; that upset me more. Before I list all the suggestions most experts say help to relax when stressed, I will tell you I have two magical solutions, but stick around to the end because if I were to reveal them now, no one would read this article, lol.

"Stress, anxiety, and depression are caused when we are living to please others." ~Paulo Coelho

Popular Ways to Manage and Reduce Stress

• Breathing techniques are a wonderful way to lower blood pressure and return to a calm state.
• Journal and write about your feelings. Even doodling can be helpful.
• Engage in a creative outlet.
• Exercise. Some people like relaxing stretches like yoga or chi gong, while others like to run or box.
• Hang out with friends or family. Connection helps us validate our feelings, and laughter is good medicine for the soul.
• Eat well- healthy foods can help balance our mood.
• Practice good sleep habits.
• Listen to music.
• Go to therapy or talk to a coach. A coach can help formulate an action plan. Stress is typically caused by things building up, whether it is in a relationship, at work, financially, or all of the above.

"Ships don't sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don't let what's happening around you get inside you and weigh you down." ~Author Unknown

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My Magic Elixir to Remedy Stress

1. Take a break and go outside. Shutting down my electronics and going outside, especially on a sunny day, instantly reset my mind and relaxed me. I realized this yesterday as I was floating in my pool. It had been a stressful and busy morning. I listened to the birds sing and gazed up at the glorious, brilliant blue sky against the vivid green trees, and it was spectacular. Even when I just sit on a chair outside, it regulates my nervous system. I feel my shoulders relax away from my ears, breathe more deeply, and enjoy the solitude. It also helps me feel connected to all living being and makes me realize how trivial my problems are in the grand scheme of life.
2. I light aromatic candles, turn out the lights, turn on light music, and lay on my yoga mat to meditate. I like to place several healing crystals around me. The combination of crystals and aromatherapy with ethereal music takes me into a deeply relaxed, meditative state.

"Worrying is like walking around with an umbrella, waiting for it to rain." ~ Wiz Khaifa

What Happens if We Do Not Calm Our Nervous System and Reduce Stress

Chronic stress puts our health at risk. When we are calm, our digestive system is at rest and functions properly, but when we experience chronic stress, we have digestive problems. Sleep is compromised, compounding the effects of stress. I get migraines, but some people experience headaches. It causes weight gain, which then affects self-esteem. And it can lead to devastating heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke.

"Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess. Have faith that everything will work out for the best." ~ Author Unknown

Final Thoughts

My two magic elixirs are virtually free and straightforward. It is about taking the time to rest and be alone, free from distractions. It allows me to engage my senses and return to present-moment awareness. Most of our stress stems from ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. In the present moment, I feel safe and secure, which are fundamental human needs.

It is critical to recognize when we feel stressed. The sooner we implement ways to manage and cope, the faster we can regulate the nervous system and return to a calm state. When we are not calm, focusing is difficult, and our thoughts quickly become distorted.

"In silence, the pain of existence becomes more bearable. It's where you can withdraw from the chaos of life and find solace in your own thoughts." ~Author Unknown

Please let me know what techniques work best for you, and I hope you enjoy my magic elixir and remedy to reduce and manage stress.

Peace & Light,

Libby

I will leave you with this last quote, "The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." ~ William James