is a constant challenge.
Do you struggle to keep stress under control?
Do you suffer from tension headaches?
Are you aware of how stress can affect your body
or do you ignore it until it manifests itself in the form of illness or injury?
It seems to come in waves
and catches me by surprise...
an accumulation of emotions that have been ignored
or shoved aside because I am "too busy" tending to other things or people in my life.
I need to "get on top of it" before it settles into my back and neck.
Those areas are where I tend to hold stress...my neck seems to rise up to meet my ears
and then it's time for a visit to the massage therapist.
Knotted tight muscles that are painful when manipulated are the price I pay for not being mindful.
No amount of quality chocolates can appease this beast.
Believe me I have tried!
It's not comfort food that heals
it's a mindset shift
self talk and conscious efforts
are needed to be proactive and preventative.
Washing dishes by hand is very soothing
I love the feel of the warm suds in the sink.
Simple routines
done with care and attention seem to help.
"The Humble Bungalow Glove"
is sharing thoughts on stress relievers.
Hostess approved
a well needed reminder for all
myself included.
De cluttering and sorting of drawers and closets
dusting
rearranging
writing in a journal
listening to music
practicing Yoga
dabbling in a creative hobby
growing something
trying out a new recipe
playing in the dirt
dancing in your pajamas
writing a letter to a loved one
chatting on the phone to a good friend
booking an appointment at the spa
singing in the shower
taking a walk
reading poetry
browsing in an art gallery or museum
brewing a pot of tea and drinking it out of a bone china cup
visiting the local library and finding a new author
perusing the local charity shops with an open mind
planning a date with your partner or spouse
counting your blessings
hugging someone you love
being gentle with yourself
letting go of "shoulds"
taking a day off to nurture and honour your inner self
asking for help
and
delegating onerous tasks
not trying to do it all
being human
allowing for imperfections
embracing joy
taking deep full breaths instead of the shallow "fight or flight" gasps
a soak in the tub
lavender oil or other aromatherapy oils have relaxing properties
watching a funny movie or TV show
if you need to cry
do so with passion and dab your tears with a linen hanky
feel the ups as well as the downs
then move forward
by placing one foot in front of the other
on the path that is life
crystal votive
a thrift shop bargain
Oleg Cassini for Rosenthal
~ ~ ~
“Who are you to judge the life I live?
I know I'm not perfect
-and I don't live to be-
but before you start pointing fingers...
make sure you hands are clean!”
― Bob Marley
